OCALA AND OSCEOLA NF CLOSED FOR HURRICANE IDALIA PREPARATION

Closure

Hurricane Idalia is predicted to make landfall this week, impacting many National Forests in Florida operations and services. In preparation for destructive weather conditions and necessary public safety precautions, please note the following details for each forest:

APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST:

• No current changes to Apalachicola National Forest (Apalachicola and Wakulla Districts) offices business hours and public services (subject to change as emergency situation develops).

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST:

• Effective Monday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. – All Ocala National Forest (Ocala and Lake George Districts) offices are closed to the Public (until further notice).
• Effective Tuesday, Aug. 29 – All Ocala National Forest offices, recreation sites (including day-use and overnight), and concession services will be closed to the public (until further notice).
• Effective Tuesday, Aug. 29 – All Ocala National Forest water recreation activities, potable water resources, and electrical power resources are closed to the public (until further notice).

OSCEOLA NATIONAL FOREST:

• Effective Monday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 1 – The Osceola National Forest District office is closed to the Public.
• Effective Tuesday, Aug. 29 at noon – All Osceola National Forest recreation sites (day-use and overnight), and concession services will be closed to the public (until further notice).
• Effective Tuesday, Aug. 29 – All Osceola National Forest water recreation activities, potable water resources, and electrical power resources are closed to the public (until further notice).


SAFETY ON FORESTS:

** Use extra caution on forest roads during and after this hurricane. Avoid traveling on through National Forests affected by this storm, until each area is declared “all clear” by USFS personnel.

** Destructive weather events create many safety hazards, including wind projectiles, weakened tree-roots/timber, downed trees, dangerous debris on roads/trails, flash floods, contaminated water environments, and wildlife displacement.

All Forest Closures