Recreation area clean up continues

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs District Ranger, Tim Pohlman, is updating visitors on the status of developed recreation areas on his district impacted by the major ice storm in January 2009.

Clearing these areas for visitor use began within days of the storm, however, many areas remain closed, or partially closed due to storm damage, according to a release from the Forest Service.

Ice caused many trees to become uprooted, broken in half and their tops snapped off. Hanging tree branches, commonly called widow makers, hang above some access roads, camp sites, picnic areas and other recreation areas. It is a complicated and time consuming process to safely remove these types of hazards. Some areas will require extensive clean-up before opening and some popular recreation areas will remain closed until late summer or early fall.

The public's concern and patience is appreciated as forest crews continue working to clear developed recreation sites and trails, according to the release.

Areas currently open include portions of Lake Glendale and Bell Smith Springs Recreation Areas; Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Millstone Bluff and Dutchman Lake Recreation Areas; Tower Rock boat ramp and picnic area; Hickory Ridge boat launch at Lake of Egypt; and Whoopie Cat, Lake Tecumseh and Sugar Creek access roads.

For information about specific recreation areas log into the Shawnee National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee or contact Bob Monroe at (618) 658-2111.