News Release

Forest Service to Close Anderson Creek OHV Area For Repairs

USDA Forest Service
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

October 28, 2003

Release: Immediate
Contact: Cassius Cash
Phone: 706-632-3031

Blue Ridge, Georgia - The U.S. Forest Service is temporary closing Anderson Creek Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System on November 14, 2003, for repairs that may take up to two years to complete. Anderson Creek, located near Ellijay, Georgia, on the Chattahoochee National Forest, offers 5 (five) miles of trails for off road enthusiasts including trail bikes, all terrain vehicles, jeeps, foot travel and any other user group. “Although we realize that this is a popular trail system for off road users and that we will be impacting the public with this closure, the area has severe problems with erosion and soil compaction that must be corrected,” explained District Ranger Cassius Cash. He continued, “The only way we can successfully address these problems is to completely close the area while the rehabilitation work is being done.”

During the temporary closure, plans are being made to designate and redesign the Anderson Creek trail system to better meet the needs of the off road vehicle user, to improve safety, and to prevent future unacceptable damage to the natural resources in the area. “Our long-term goal is to provide a location that the public can enjoy in a safe manner while protecting the soil and water resources of our national forest,” Cash stated.

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