Forest Service

George Washington &

News Release
Jefferson National Forests
3714 Highway 16
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-5196
www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj
Media Contact: Barry Garten (276) 783-5196
bgarten@fs.fed.us

Portions of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

and Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Temporarily Closed to Camping Due to Bear Activity

(August 31, 2018) Marion, Va – USDA Forest Service officials at the George Washington and
Jefferson National Forests have temporarily closed portions of the Mount Rogers National
Recreation high country and a segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to camping due to
increased black bear activity and human encounters. This camping closure affects approximately
20,000 acres of National Forest System lands in Grayson and Smyth Counties, including Elk
Garden, Thomas Knob Shelter, the Scales, Old Orchard Shelter, and approximately 17 miles of the
Appalachian Trail (Forest Trail #1). The segment of the Appalachian Trail affected is between VA-
600 at Elk Garden and VA-603 at Fox Creek. Additionally, Virginia State Parks will be closing Wise
Shelter at Grayson Highlands State Park which is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National
Recreation Area and part of the high country’s system of shelters. Day use of this area, including
hiking and horseback riding, are permitted under this closure.

“With a recent increase in black bear activity in the area, the temporary closure is necessary for public
health and safety,” states Area Ranger Barry Garten. “The Forest Service is working with the Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Grayson Highlands State Park, the National Park Service,
the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club to evaluate options to
address the human-bear conflict issue and the temporary closure will help facilitate that process. The
area and trails will be reopened to camping as soon as possible.”

The agencies and partners are exploring ideas for long-term solutions to minimize human-bear
conflicts. We will keep the public informed as we move forward.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are home to an increasing healthy population
of black bears. So that visitors can enjoy the national forest, and the bears and other wildlife that make
their home there, it is important that visitors follow certain guidelines regarding bears and food storage.

-MORE-

Forest Service

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 Portions of Mount Rogers, Appalachian Trail Temporarily Close to Camping Due to Bear Activity –
Page 2

Backcountry visitors should be familiar with Leave No Trace methods to secure their food. Following
these methods dramatically reduces the risk of human-bear conflicts.

Bears are opportunists by nature. They prefer to feed on natural food sources, such as berries, nuts,
and insects, but will feed on food unsecured by humans. Garbage and food odors attract bears to
residential areas, dump sites, campsites, and picnic areas.

Once a bear develops a pattern of gaining access to human food sources, it can become habituated to
those food sources. This behavior creates safety concerns for humans and the bear due to changes in
its natural behavior.

Following are guidelines that will help reduce the chances of a close encounter with a bear:

 Never leave food or trash unattended.

 Use other Leave No Trace techniques.

 Never cook or store food in or near your tent.
 Pack out all garbage including fruit rinds and cores, empty cans or jars, and aluminum foil used for
grilling or cooking.
 Pick up all food scraps around your site.
 Never feed a bear or other animals.
 Never approach a bear.
 If a bear approaches your site, pack up your food and trash. If necessary, attempt to scare the animal
away with loud shouts, or by banging pans together. If the bear is persistent, move away slowly to your
vehicle or other secure area.
 Keep children close at hand.
 Keep pets properly confined to a leash.
 Always respect bears and admire them from a distance.
For more information on the closure, please contact the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at
(276) 783-5196 or watch for updates at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates
For more information about bear safety visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/living-with-black-
bears/ or www.appalachiantrail.org/bears or bearwise.org

-USFS-

Forest Service

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Temporary Closure 8/31/2018