Officials are anticipating a busy season for Northeast Georgia's Chattooga River District, which is once open to the public following the winter season.
According to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service, several improvements have been made in the district over the past year to get ready for the 2021 season.
"We know that people are wanting to get out and enjoy the woods, and the simple pleasures of nature," said Steven Bekkerus, public affairs officer for the U.S Forest Service on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. "We've been working hard behind the scenes trying to get it ready for the people and visitors, and that requires a lot of road work, a lot of maintenance."
Chattooga River District staff have worked to improve over 250 miles of roads in the district by blading road surfaces, upgrading water drainage features and mowing roadside vegetation, according to the release.
One specific set of improvements relates to portions of Chattahoochee River Road, which had been damaged from landslides. District staff have stabilized the road so that visitors are able to access the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River north of Helen. However, more district roads will need to be repaired in the coming months due to wet conditions and increased traffic, according to the release.
The 11 developed campgrounds on the Chattooga River District have also received improvements in preparation for the 2021 season. These improvements include new picnic tables, fire rings, water hand pumps and fee tubes and the repair of swim beach docks and water lines.
The release states a new restroom facility was constructed at Sandy Bottom Campground on the Tallulah River.
“Even through this pandemic, our volunteers have been invaluable to us in safely assisting with trail clearing after storm events, picking up trash and removing graffiti left by careless visitors," said Ryan Foote, the District Ranger responsible for managing the Chattooga River District.
Those who visit the forest are asked to recreate responsibly, follow CDC guidelines, and practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, or the status of roads, trails and campgrounds, visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf or call the District at 706-754-6221.
