The Bankhead National Forest Ranger District at Double Springs, Alabama, has released these 2 notices regarding 2 trails and the road conditions in the Bankhead.

Public Asked to Drive with Caution Due to Conditions on Bankhead National Forest Roads

(Double Springs, AL) March 2, 2015—- U.S. Forest Service officials are urging all forest users to limit their use of forest roads in the Bankhead National Forest.  If you need to drive on forest roads, please drive with caution for your safety and to reduce damage to the roads.  Forest roads were severely impacted by the recent snow event and freezing and thawing temperatures.  Heavy rainfall is predicted next week which will make road conditions worse.  Limited use is advised on all Forest Service roads.

“We are making every effort to ensure roads are safe and resources are protected,” said Dave Casey, district ranger for the Bankhead National Forest.  In some instances, when weather or road conditions cannot provide for safe use, or in periods critical to wildlife and other resources, roads may be closed temporarily.

For more information about current road conditions or closures contact the Bankhead District Office at 205-489-5111 or the “Know Before You Go” section on the Forest Service website atwww.fs.usda.gov/alabama

Owl Creek and Flint Creek Trail Systems on Bankhead National Forest Temporarily Closed to

Horse and Motorized Use 

(Double Springs, AL) March 3, 2015—- U.S. Forest Service officials have temporarily closed the Owl Creek and Flint Creek trail systems to horse and motorized use, effective March 3.  The unusual snow storm produced significant moisture when approximately 10 inches of snow fell on the trails.  Melting snow and recent rains have created saturated soils that are easily eroded. Both trails will remain open to hiking use.  As soon as conditions are sufficient to protect the trails, they will be opened to normal use.  Visitors can contact the Bankhead Ranger District for the current status.

According to Bankhead District Ranger Dave Casey, the soft trail conditions threaten the forest’s basic soil resource and can cause a hazard to riders in some places.  “We have recently invested substantial funds to improve the Owl Creek trail system and need sufficient time for the work to stabilize before horses and motorized equipment impact it,” said Casey.

For more information about current trail and road conditions or closures contact the Bankhead District Office at 205-489-5111 or the “Know Before You Go” section atwww.fs.usda.gov/alabama.

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