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.
Dead trees are an important part of the forest providing habitat for many species of wildlife, but they are also potential hazards. While in the forest, always be aware of your surroundings. Look up for trees with broken limbs or tops. Do not stand or camp under leaning trees. Your safety is your responsibility. Find additional weather and outdoor safety information at
bit.ly/ChattahoocheeOutdoorSafety
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Participants from the Rainbow gathering are hosting a town hall meeting today from 5-9 p.m. at the Dahlonega Parks and Recreation building for local residents. This provides an opportunity for residents to meet Rainbow Family members and ask questions about the gathering without having to travel on rough Forest Service roads to the gathering site.
PETS:
Individuals in and the around the gathering should keep their pets on leashes for the safety of their pets and other visitors to the area. Pets must be under control at all times.
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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