(Press release on damage from Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office 7/22/2016)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conducted an aerial survey of the storm damage at Birch Grove Campground between East Twin and West Twin Lakes on the Washburn Ranger District Thursday.
“We had 12 saw crews and heavy equipment clearing roads and gaining access to recreation areas that were hit hard by the storm,” said Incident Commander Jim Grant. “Our number one priority was getting to those that were injured and getting them medical attention.”
U.S. Forest Service personnel are continuing today to assess the damage and gain access to campgrounds, dispersed recreation sites, roads and trails within the affected area. The most significant damage occurred north of US Highway 2 on the Washburn Ranger District.
“We are focusing on safety, safety of our employees and the public,” said Grant. “Before areas are opened they will be thoroughly inspected to ensure they are once again safe.” The Forest has issued an area closure for the portion of the Washburn Ranger District north of Highway 2.
National Forest roads, trails and developed recreation sites north of Highway 2 are closed until further notice. The area sustained heavy damage and there is a risk to public health and safety. To read the closure order please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF/ and click on Thunderstorms Damage Washburn Ranger District. You may also call the Washburn Ranger District at 715-373-2667. The network of Forest Service roads impacted by the July 11 thunderstorm and flash flooding on the Great Divide and Washburn Ranger Districts have been assessed and no additional damage has been reported.
For the most current information please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF/ and click on Flash Flooding Affects Forest. You may also call the Great Divide Ranger District at 715-264-2511. “The public is urged to use extreme caution if traveling in the impacted areas of the Forest this weekend as conditions continue to change,” said Grant.
“Please slow down and take your time; many people are working in the field to clean up the damages and make emergency repairs.” For more information about the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CNNF002 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNNF002.
