News

State forests remain closed

By Lightning reports, Published: October 5, 2024

People should refrain from visiting state forests in Western North Carolina while response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are underway, the N.C. Forest Service said.

DuPont State Recreational Forest, Holmes Educational State Forest and Tuttle Educational State Forest in Lenoir remain closed until hazardous conditions improve and assessments can be made. The state forests are not safe to visit at this time, cell phone service is limited and first responders may not be able to reach visitors in case of emergency. The public should refrain from visiting until N.C. Forest Service personnel have deemed it safe to do so, rangers said.