BTNF temporary recreation site closures extended through May 31, 2020
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
April 29, 2020
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has signed a temporary order closing developed campground and picnic sites on the Forest through May 31, 2020. Many of these sites are inaccessible due to snow and do not normally open until late May. Additionally, the Forest is asking recreationists to refrain from building campfires on the Forest. This temporary closure is necessary to address employee and public health and safety concerns as the Forest works to comply with local and State health orders and Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
"While we know that going outside provides forest visitors needed space, exercise and mental health, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously," said Forest Supervisor Tricia O’Connor. "We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while keeping employees, the public, and our communities safe from the virus, as well as protecting and keeping communities and resources safe from unwanted human-caused wildfires," she said.
Recreation Closures
Developed recreation sites are temporarily closed while dispersed camping, hiking, river use, and other dispersed activities are allowed in the Forest. Closed developed recreation sites include campgrounds, Granite Hot Springs, picnic areas, and any other constructed facility amenities – such as potable water stations, fire rings/grills, picnic tables, restroom facilities with flush or vaulted toilets, and trashcans and trash collection services. Parking facilities, trails and trailheads remain open. Dispersed camping includes camping on a National Forest where recreation facilities or services are not provided.
"The Forest remains open and Forest visitors can continue dispersed recreation activities while adhering to the following safety and responsibility guidelines," said O’Connor.
• Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others.
• Avoid gathering with others in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas.
• Follow CDC guidelines to prevent illnesses like COVID-19.
• Prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection.
• Bears have emerged, so remember to store food properly and carry bear spray
• Prepare to pack out trash and human waste.
Effective immediately, the following developed recreation areas and campgrounds listed at this link are closed and/or unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov: https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf/
"As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority," said O’Connor. "We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19," she said. Cooperation from all in not building campfires could help minimize the potential for wildfires. This ask acknowledges the emergency response capabilities have already been heavily impacted by COVID-19-related circumstances.
The temporary closure of developed recreation sites and emphasis on not building campfires is based on public health and employee safety. "Keeping our firefighters, law enforcement, recreation and resource personnel outfitted with personal protective equipment to keep them healthy is our focus," said O’Connor. "Our resources will be limited this year and we will need to be thoughtful about what we can do to help reduce the need to respond to human caused fires and reduce the need to expose employees to areas that need frequent cleaning," she said. "The Forest will continue to work on obtaining supplies to maintain developed recreation facilities (campgrounds and toilets), so we are prepared for the summer season," O’Connor said.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers. Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger district office with additional questions.
|
