Hurricane Helene Information

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Sumter National Forest Closure

Overview of damage from Hurricane Helene

The week has been incredibly challenging. As you know, Hurricane Helene devastated communities throughout parts of our region. The hardest hit areas are in the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.

  • The storm is responsible for more than 220 deaths.
  • People are stranded, many are still without power and have no means of communication.
  • President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited some areas in the Southern Region.
  • Our four most impacted units are 1) the National Forests in North Carolina, 2) Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, 3) Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina and 4) the National Forests in Florida. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests also suffered impacts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS)

  1. Will I be able to hunt this year?

There are many trees down on roads and possibly structures due to the Category 4 Hurricane. The Sumter National Forest needs time to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene to the Andrew Pickens Ranger District (near Mountain Rest),the  Enoree Ranger District (near Whitmire), and the Long Cane Ranger District (near Edgefield). The Forest will be temporarily closed and is currently focusing on Life and Safety response assisting residents access out of their homes on Forest Service land. We anticipate employees  will go in next week to begin evaluating areas and mitigating hazardous conditions before allowing the public access to the Forest. After the initial closure period, some areas may be closed for a longer time if necessary. We will keep the public updated as we are able to open areas. Check out the SC Department of Natural Resources Facebook page for updated hunting closures within South Carolina . https://www.facebook.com/SCDNR

The Francis Marion Ranger District located on the Francis Marion National Forest was not severely impacted and is open to the public at this time for some recreational activities, (the Wambaw Cycle Trail is closed due to moisture received from the hurricane). Again, check out the SC Department of Natural Resources Facebook page for updated hunting closures within South Carolina. https://www.facebook.com/SCDNR

  1. Who do I contact if I have downed trees on my property?

You can use this link to check foresters in your area who can assist or refer you. Consulting foresters - South Carolina Forestry Commission (scfc.gov)

  1. Which recreation areas are open?  At this time, the only recreational areas open on the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests are on the Francis Marion Ranger District near Charleston. The Buck Hall Recreation Area and others on the district are open, except the closure of the Wawbaw Cycle Trail, which is still too wet.
  2. When do you expect the Forest to open? At this time, the Forest will be closed and is still closed, but portions on the Andrew Pickens and the Enoree Ranger District may open some areas that have been cleared of hazards later this week.  After that period, based on the damage assessments, we will open areas as we are able. Please refer to the website and Facebook page for updates on closures and openings.
  3. Can I help? I have a chainsaw. While we sincerely appreciate the offer of help, the U.S. Forest Service has arranged for chainsaw crews to assist our local employees in removing downed trees.
  4. I want to donate money to help victims of Hurricane Helene?

Please checkout the Red Cross Hurricane Donation site at tis link: https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html/