Outdoor Safety & Ethics
As a visitor to the national forest, you’ll find many opportunities to explore nature and enjoy its many woodlands, river, lakes, and endless recreational activities. To take full advantage of what the national forest has to offer, we ask that you prepare in advance of each visit.
It’s important that you learn about the area, from its weather and terrain, to the rules and regulations that may govern your location or activity. Please also be considerate of other visitors, wildlife, and the lands that make up the forest.
Know Before You Go
-
Be Bear Aware

Tips for minimizing risks in bear country
-
Ticks

Information about protecting yourself and your pets before, during, and after your visit
-
Hypothermia

Risk factors, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of cold-related illness
-
Heat-Related Illness

Tips for preventing and treating heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion
-
Water Safety

Information about staying safe around water through all seasons
-
If You Get Lost

The best tool needed for survival in the event you get lost outdoors is your skill of advanced planning.
Alerts & Warnings
- Closure on FR 238/Cherryville RD in Barksdale beginning on 9/30/2024
- Water levels reduced on the Mondeaux Flowage starting on 9/30
- Recreation areas, trails, and roads open after recovery from 2019 windstorm
- Prescribed Burning Planned for FY2024
- Closure on Forest Road 1666 (Black Lake Road) for motorized vehicles
- Safety reminders for hunting season
- Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination required at Lake Owen and Two Lakes