DAHLONEGA, Ga., June 28, 2018
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The U.S. Forest Service encourages visitors to use extra caution when recreating in areas with dead standing trees during storms and high winds.
PETS:
Individuals in and the around the gathering are encouraged to keep their pets on leashes for the safety of their pets and other visitors to the area.
Even dogs who are well-behaved at home can behave unexpectedly when they are excited by the new sights and smells of the forest. Dogs may be hurt in encounters with other visitors. Dogs also may be tempted to chase wild animals causing stress or harm to wildlife or your dog.
Several cases of rabies have been reported in surrounding counties.
Many dogs become lost while pursuing wildlife into the woods. If you encounter other visitors or wildlife, respect them by keeping your dog away from them. Consider that other visitors might be frightened by an unknown dog approaching them. Keeping your dog on a leash is the best way to prevent confrontations with other dogs that may act aggressively.
Cleaning up after your pet is also your responsibility. Please bring waste bags and pick up dog waste which otherwise can quickly accumulate causing a health and safety hazard for other visitors. Dispose of bags and all other waste properly in trash bins.
ROADS:
Several temporary closures and restrictions are in place in the Nimblewill area of Lumpkin County for public safety. Forest Service Road (FSR) 77 is now closed at the intersection of FSR 77A because of traffic congestion at the Rainbow Family Gathering. Two roads offer parking on one-side only, as posted. These are FSR 28B and FSR 77 (from FSR 28-1 up to FSR 77A). During the temporary closure of FSR 77, Springer Mountain trailhead can be accessed using the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail beginning at Amicalola Falls State Park, or by Doublehead Gap Road to FSR 42. Long Creek Falls can be accessed from FSR 58 to the Three Forks trailhead.
TRAILS:
Trail users should be aware of increased pedestrian use and exercise proper trail etiquette in sharing trails. Some trails are restricted for certain uses. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails unless posted. Only vehicles licensed and legal for use on public highways in the state of Georgia may be operated on Forest Service roads.
WEATHER:
Showers and thunderstorms are frequently expected. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding and landslides. Trees may fall unexpectedly. Avoid low-lying areas.
OUTDOOR SAFETY: Ticks are out in the forest waiting for a chance to attach to you and your pets and feed on your blood. Ticks can carry a variety of diseases. Avoid tall grass and brush. Stay on trails where the chance of picking up ticks is less likely. Routinely check your hair and body for ticks. To remove at tick, follow the advice at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html.
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| Dogs on leashes are happy dogs |
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