USDA Forest Service Announces Road Openings

THE USDA FOREST SERVICE OFFICIALS AT THE CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST RECENTLY ANNOUNCE THE ANNUAL SCHEDULE FOR OPENING SOME ROADS THAT ARE CLOSED SEASONALLY. THESE ROADS ARE LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST. SOME ROADS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY CLOSED TO MOTOR VEHICLE USE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, TO PROTECT WILDLIFE HABITAT, DECREASE WILDLIFE DISTURBANCE, AND REDUCE ROAD MAINTENANCE COSTS. HOWEVER SOME OF THESE ROADS ARE TEMPORARILY OPENED FOR SHORT PERIODS TO PROVIDE SEASONAL PUBLIC ACCESS FOR VARIOUS USES INCLUDING HUNTING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. IN THE COCKE COUNTY PORTION OF THE CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST THE FOLLOWING ROADS ARE SCHEDULED TO OPEN ON MARCH 17TH AND REMAIN OPEN THRU MID DECEMBER. THOSE ROADS IN COCKE COUNTY INCLUDE WOLF CREEK, BIG CLIFTY, MEADOW CREEK MOIUNTAIN, WEAVER BEND ROAD AND RATTLESNAKE.