|
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 22, 2020—The Ocala National Forest closed all of its campgrounds indefinitely at 8 a.m. this morning for the health and safety of visitors and staff. This includes all permitted facilities. These sites are now unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov.
In addition, all day-use areas associated with these campgrounds are now closed. Sites will be monitored to ensure everyone is complying with these closures.
All individuals at the following sites must vacate the area by 6 p.m. today:
· Alexander Springs Recreation Area, including all associated areas such as Alexander Springs Campground.
· Bluff Landing
· Buck Lake Group Camp
· Camp Kiwanis
· Camp Sozo
· Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, including all associated areas such as Clearwater Lake Campground and Clearwater Lake Nature Trail
· Doe Lake Recreation Area, including all associated areas such as the boat ramp.
· Farles Prairie Recreation Area
· Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp
· Fore Lake Recreation Area, including all associated area such as the pier and canoe launch area
· Hopkins Prairie Campground
· Juniper Springs Recreation Area including all associated areas such as Juniper Springs Campground and Juniper Run
· Mill Dam Recreation Area
· Salt Springs Recreation Area and Campground, including Salt Springs Marina and Salt Springs Run
· Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
· Sweetwater Cabin
Notifications will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed. Processing refunds may be delayed due to the volume of cancellations. We appreciate your patience during this time.
As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority. We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to promote social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Lake George Ranger District Office at (352) 625-2520, the Seminole Ranger District Office at (352) 669-3153 Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. or email FloridaForests@usda.gov.
The National Forests in Florida continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds to ensure safe social distancing, visitors will receive a full refund for their reservation.
Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
|
