Contact: Clay Chester, Southeastern States Coordinator
Sportsmen and women throughout the South are regaining access to public resources on state and federal lands that were closed due to COVID-19.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC) completed its second phase of reopening on May 23, granting access to the trails not opened through the first phase on May 9. Full access to the trails is essential for anglers to access many rivers and streams. On May 14, the Pisgah National Forest (NC) opened two additional access points, the Black Balsam Road and Bent Creek Road along with most associated trails. Additionally, on May 22, the United States Forest Service (USFS) coordinated a reopening of access points and trailheads to the Appalachian Trail, which is used by hunters and anglers, in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (GA), Cherokee National Forest (TN), George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (VA) and the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
While these forests were not closed to hunting and fishing, the closures limited access for sportsmen and women. The reopening of these access points came with a general notice from the National Park Service (NPS) and United States Forest Service (USFS) that bathrooms, shelters and many day-use facilities will remain closed at this time. The NPS and the USFS stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing requirements and refraining from gathering in groups larger than ten people, especially in parking areas and near trailheads.
Additional updates in the South include:
Cherokee National Forest (TN)
Daniel Boone National Forest (KY)
Deer Creek, Grand River and Woodbury Wildlife Management Areas (OH)
Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge (LA)
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (SC)
Monongahela National Forest (WV)
Ocala National Forest (FL)
CSF commends these efforts to increase access on state and federal lands for outdoor enthusiasts. In response to the COVID-related closures, CSF and partners are leading a media campaign to promote #ResponsibleRecreation.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) continues to work with federal and state policy makers to ensure opportunities for outdoor recreation remain available during these challenging times. CSF encourages all sportsmen and women to practice #ResponsibleRecreation while enjoying their outdoor pursuits.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
