Log 2017011501

This is from the US Forest Service - Wayne National Forest's Facebook page.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE PROJECT WILL CLOSE AND RESTORE HAUGHT RUN CAMPGROUND
The Haught Run Campground Decommissioning Project may be implemented immediately

NELSONVILLE, Ohio (January 13, 2017) – Athens District Ranger Jason A. Reed of the Wayne National Forest signed the Final Decision Notice for the Haught Run Campground Decommissioning Project on Tuesday, January 3rd.  He selected Alternative 3 for implementation.  Alternative 3 involves permanently closing and restoring the campground and the short access road entirely within it, and administratively removing an oil and gas well access road from the Forest Service System of Roads. There will be no work on Haught Run Road itself or on the Covered Bridge Trail.

The campground is located along the Little Muskingum River in Ludlow and Independence Townships, Washington County, Ohio, and is part of the Marietta Unit of the Athens Ranger District.

The U.S. Forest Service has determined that permanently closing the campground is needed in order to protect human health and safety. Haught Run Campground has been and continues to be impacted by extensive bank erosion along a curve in the Little Muskingum River. Currently three out of four campsites are unsafe to occupy. Because of how the campground is situated between Haught Run, the Little Muskingum River, and a ridge, there is no room to move the campsites to safer spots. An emergency closure order was issued in 2014 and the campground remains closed.  Despite the closure order, there is evidence that people are still occupying the campground and have been using the sites that are most at risk for continuous streambank erosion.  

“It is of the utmost importance that we provide destinations that are safe to all visitors and those who live in and around the Wayne National Forest,” stated Reed. “This river and the surrounding lands offer endless opportunities to experience the forests and wildlife of southeast Ohio. We will continue to talk with the community about recreational opportunities in this area.”

Several other camping opportunities exist on the Marietta Unit that offer a similar experience to Haught Run, including Hune Bridge, Ring Mill, Lane Farm, and Lamping Homestead Campgrounds.

Decommissioning activities include removing pavement, fire rings, picnic tables, and structures. A mix of native and non-native, non-invasive plants and trees will be seeded in. Rock would be used to block off the area until vegetation is re-established.

The project may be implemented immediately.