Forest Campgrounds, Rental Cabins, Day Use Sites Closing to Limit COVID-19 Spread

HELENA, Montana (March 26, 2020) - The health and safety of visitors, as well as Forest Service employees

and volunteers, is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to meet the guidelines for

cleaning and to promote social distance per CDC guidelines and Governor Bullock's recent Executive Orders to

help reduce the spread of the virus. To support these efforts, effective immediately, all Helena-Lewis and

Clark National Forest campgrounds, day use sites and rental cabins will be temporarily closed to public entry

until further notice and will be closed and unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov. Notification to cabin renters

will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.

"As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety of the public is our

number one priority. This closure order will be lifted as soon as possible," said Forest Supervisor Bill Avey.

"We did not make this decision lightly and we appreciate people's cooperation."

The closures will not impact other Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest trails, trailheads or dispersed

camping sites which remain open at this time. We ask that the public recreate responsibly and please practice

leave no trace principles and "pack it in-pack it out."

"We want the public to know that the majority of the forest is still open for public access," said Avey. "We

want people to be able to get outside and stay active during these stressful times. We ask that you please

recreate responsibly, don't take unnecessary risks and practice social distancing measures."

The Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate

potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov.

Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes

affecting their reservation. If the sites do not open, people with reservations will be fully refunded. We

suggest that people with reservations have a back-up plan in case the sites do not open up. In the event of

delayed openings of some, part or all of the above listed recreation sites to ensure safe social distancing, you

will receive a full refund for your reservation.

Keep in mind that law enforcement and/or search and rescue operations may be limited due to the COVID-19

issues. High-risk activities such as rock climbing, etc. or backcountry activities that increase your chance of

injury or distress should be avoided.

The Forest continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation. As we work through an unpredictable and

rapidly changing environment, health and safety is our number one priority. We are committed to supporting our communities and fulfilling our mission as we all work together to minimize the impact and spread of the virus. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.

Lincoln Ranger District Campgrounds:

• Copper Creek Campground

• Aspen Grove Campground

• Aspen Grove Group Use Site

Cabins:

• Cummins Cabin

• Granite Butte Lookout Tower

• Indian Meadows Cabin

For a complete list of campgrounds and site closures visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf and like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HLCNF or contact your local District office:

Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District Offices:

• Belt Creek Office, Neihart, MT - (406) 236-5511

• White Sulphur Springs Office - White Sulphur Springs, MT - (406) 547-3361

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Great Falls Office - Great Falls, MT - (406) 791-7700

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Helena Office - Helena, MT - (406) 449-5201

Helena Ranger District - Helena, MT - (406) 449-5201

Judith-Musselshell Ranger District Offices:

• Judith Ranger Station - Stanford, MT - (406) 566-2292

• Musselshell Ranger Station - Harlowton, MT - (406) 632-4391

Lincoln Ranger District - Lincoln, MT - (406) 362-7000

Rocky Mountain Ranger District - Choteau, MT - (406) 466-5341

• Augusta Information Station - Augusta, MT 59410 - (406) 562-3247

Townsend Ranger District - Townsend, MT - (406) 266-3425

To learn more about the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf.