Rangers still seeing effects of ice storm
Published 12:00 am Monday, October 6, 2003
Months after the February ice storms, rangers at the Wayne National Forest's Ironton Ranger Station are still dealing with the repercussions.
Gloria Chrismer, district ranger for the Wayne National Forest's Ironton Ranger Station, said that they are still cleaning up fallen trees and debris on trails and roads.
"We saw all the downed trees and limbs at that time, but we did not see all the other damage that wasn't visible," she said. "We are seeing the results of that now."
However, she emphasized that people need to be careful and watch where they camp, park and walk.
"People need to be aware of their surroundings when they are out in the woods, especially hunters," she said. "The ground is saturated so it increases chances for problems."
After being closed for three summers because of the dam construction, the Oak Hill Campground is now open. The Iron Ridge Campground is also open. Both will close Oct. 27 for the winter because they are not equipped for cold weather, Chrismer said.
A half-mile section of the horse trails east of the Bluegrass parking lot may also be closed later this month to insure public safety during a timber sale, she said.