Effective immediately, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests officials announce the temporary shutdown of access to Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, and Glory Hole Trails located in Newton County, Ark., in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The temporary shutdown also includes the trailhead parking areas.
“The top priority of the USDA Forest Service is the health and safety of visitors, nearby communities and employees,” said Big Piney District Ranger Tim Jones. “I am thankful for this cooperative effort between the Newton County Judge, the Newton County Sheriff and the Buffalo National River to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
The Whitaker Point and Glory Hole trails are high traffic areas experiencing public use inconsistent with social distancing guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
For a list of closures, more information and updates, visit the websites of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf/ or the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita. Updates can also be found at the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest at www.facebook.com/ozarkstfrancis/ and Ouachita National Forest Facebook site at www.facebook.com/ouachitanf.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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