Post by Greg Stamper on Jul 16, 2015 20:21:06 GMT -5
Storm results in more cleanups for Cave Run, Red River Gorge
Bonaccorso, Kimberly J -FS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jon Kazmierski
606-784-6428
WINCHESTER, Ky., July 16, 2015 – As progress was being made to clean up after record flooding, recent storms have presented new challenges at recreation areas around Cave Run Lake and in the Red River Gorge.
High winds caused numerous trees to fall at campgrounds and over roads and trails across the national forest, especially in the northern areas.
Cleanup is ongoing, and all campgrounds remain open except for Paragon and Claylick at Cave Run. Claylick has been closed since April after flood waters damaged the facility and took out the campground’s access road. Paragon is closed due to high water.
The White Sulphur off-highway trails are temporarily closed due to fallen trees. The OHV trail system is expected to reopen on Saturday.
The water level at Cave Run continues to fluctuate. Some services and facilities may be impacted until the water level returns to normal.
“In spite of the storms, our most popular campgrounds and other recreation areas are open and ready for visitors,” said District Ranger Jon Kazmierski with the Daniel Boone National Forest.
“We’ve been working hard all week to clean up debris and clear trees from these areas before weekend visitors arrive.”
No injuries occurred during the storms, but a few tents and vehicles were reported damaged from fallen trees.
“Some campers at Cave Run took shelter in restroom facilities during the storm. Others packed up and left before the storm got too bad,” said Kazmierski.
The Gladie Visitor Center in the Red River Gorge was closed due to power outage but reopened on Thursday. Some trails in the Red River Gorge, especially in the Sky Bridge and Rock Bridge areas, are known to have fallen trees across the trail. Clearing the trails may take weeks or months.
“When planning a trip to the national forest, we encourage our visitors to check the local weather forecasts before heading for the outdoors and pay attention to changing weather conditions.
“With the ground already saturated, any additional rain or high winds we may experience in the near future could cause more flooding and more trees to fall.
“Visitors should be aware at all times, avoid trees that may have partially fallen or have dangling limbs or branches, and avoid crossing flooded roads or trails.”
For updated information, visitors may call the Cumberland Ranger District at 606-784-6428 or the Gladie Visitor Center at 606-663-8100
Kimberly Bonaccorso
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Daniel Boone National Forest
p: 859-745-3100 x107
f: 859-744-1568
kjbonaccorso@fs.fed.us
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
www.fs.fed.us
USDA LogoForest Service TwitterUSDA Facebook
Caring for the land and serving people
www.lex18.com/story/29565095/storm-results-in-more-cleanups-for-cave-run-red-river-gorge
Bonaccorso, Kimberly J -FS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jon Kazmierski
606-784-6428
WINCHESTER, Ky., July 16, 2015 – As progress was being made to clean up after record flooding, recent storms have presented new challenges at recreation areas around Cave Run Lake and in the Red River Gorge.
High winds caused numerous trees to fall at campgrounds and over roads and trails across the national forest, especially in the northern areas.
Cleanup is ongoing, and all campgrounds remain open except for Paragon and Claylick at Cave Run. Claylick has been closed since April after flood waters damaged the facility and took out the campground’s access road. Paragon is closed due to high water.
The White Sulphur off-highway trails are temporarily closed due to fallen trees. The OHV trail system is expected to reopen on Saturday.
The water level at Cave Run continues to fluctuate. Some services and facilities may be impacted until the water level returns to normal.
“In spite of the storms, our most popular campgrounds and other recreation areas are open and ready for visitors,” said District Ranger Jon Kazmierski with the Daniel Boone National Forest.
“We’ve been working hard all week to clean up debris and clear trees from these areas before weekend visitors arrive.”
No injuries occurred during the storms, but a few tents and vehicles were reported damaged from fallen trees.
“Some campers at Cave Run took shelter in restroom facilities during the storm. Others packed up and left before the storm got too bad,” said Kazmierski.
The Gladie Visitor Center in the Red River Gorge was closed due to power outage but reopened on Thursday. Some trails in the Red River Gorge, especially in the Sky Bridge and Rock Bridge areas, are known to have fallen trees across the trail. Clearing the trails may take weeks or months.
“When planning a trip to the national forest, we encourage our visitors to check the local weather forecasts before heading for the outdoors and pay attention to changing weather conditions.
“With the ground already saturated, any additional rain or high winds we may experience in the near future could cause more flooding and more trees to fall.
“Visitors should be aware at all times, avoid trees that may have partially fallen or have dangling limbs or branches, and avoid crossing flooded roads or trails.”
For updated information, visitors may call the Cumberland Ranger District at 606-784-6428 or the Gladie Visitor Center at 606-663-8100
Kimberly Bonaccorso
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Daniel Boone National Forest
p: 859-745-3100 x107
f: 859-744-1568
kjbonaccorso@fs.fed.us
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
www.fs.fed.us
USDA LogoForest Service TwitterUSDA Facebook
Caring for the land and serving people
www.lex18.com/story/29565095/storm-results-in-more-cleanups-for-cave-run-red-river-gorge