U.S. Forest Service Assessing Hurricane Helene Impacts; Rec Sites, Roads and Trails Reopening...

TALLAHASSEE, FL (Sept 30, 2024) — The category 4 Hurricane Helene made landfall in northern Florida over the weekend, impacting more than one million acres of public land. Hundreds of Forest Service employees and their families were affected by the hurricane, evacuating the area, helping their neighbors, and now many are recovering their homes damaged in the storm’s path.

The U.S. Forest Service is working with community partners and other agencies to assess each forest for storm damage, make necessary repairs, and remove dangerous debris – as quickly and safely as possible. Please note the following Forest operations status, remaining temporary closure areas and post-storm safety precautions for each National Forest in Florida.

APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST (Apalachicola and Wakulla Districts):
• ALL Apalachicola National Forest district offices and services have resumed regular business hours.
• ALL Apalachicola National Forest district recreation sites (including day-use areas, trails, overnight campgrounds), and services have resumed regular business hours and are open to visitors.
o Take extra caution on all walking, biking and OHV trails, due to fallen debris.
• ALL Apalachicola National Forest potable water and electrical power resources are operational.
NOTE: The Apalachicola National Forest recreation operation hours and visitor services are subject to change pending discovery of further tropical weather impacts and safety concerns.

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST (Seminole and Lake George Districts):
• ALL Ocala National Forest district offices, recreation sites (including day-use areas, trails, overnight campgrounds), and concession services have resumed regular business hours and are open to visitors.
o Contact the Forest district office for “Open/Closed” details on each specific recreation site.
o Take extra caution on all walking, biking and OHV trails, due to fallen debris.
NOTE: The Ocala National Forest recreation operation hours and visitor services are subject to change pending discovery of further tropical weather impacts and safety concerns.

OSCEOLA NATIONAL FOREST (Osceola District):
• The Osceola National Forest District Office has resumed regular business hours.
• For public safety, ALL Osceola National Forest recreation sites (including day-use areas and overnight campgrounds), and concession services remain temporarily closed to visitors, pending storm impact assessments, clean-up and repairs.
o The Ocean Pond Recreation Area suffered extensive damage. Large debris needs to be removed.
• For public safety, ALL Osceola National Forest water recreation activities, potable water and electrical power resources remain temporarily closed to visitors, pending storm impact assessments, clean-up and necessary repairs.
o Power lines down at several recreation areas on the Osceola NF.
o Large trees down on transformer box on the Osceola NF.

POST-STORM FOREST SAFETY REMINDERS:
• Destructive weather events create many safety hazards, including weakened tree-roots/timber, downed trees, dangerous debris on roads/trails, flash floods, contaminated water environments, and wildlife displacement.
• Avoid traveling through National Forests affected by this storm, until each area is officially declared “ALL CLEAR” by USFS personnel. If travel through forests is necessary, use extra caution on roads.
• Help protect yourself and our forest work teams – When sharing the road with heavy equipment and saw crews, wait until you’re officially “waved through” before driving past vehicles and personnel. **Dozers and sawyers have very limited views and may not be able to see your vehicle.
• Be aware, “Storm-twisted blowdown” piles can spring heavy debris, unpredictably, when being cut or pushed by forest crews.

** IMPORTANT NOTE: We are still in “Hurricane Season” through October. Other tropical storms are being predicted to hit Florida and the southeast region. Further heavy rainfall and winds may impact Florida forests and cause additional flooding, damage and temporary closures.