Camping facilities closed at Woodbury, Crown City wildlife areas
In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) Stay at Home Order, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is closing campgrounds at Woodbury and Crown City wildlife areas.
Closure on these ODNR properties is effective March 31, 2020, to protect the health of both visitors and staff and are expected to be temporary until COVID-19 guidelines change or are lifted.
State wildlife areas will remain open, with the exception of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, which is closed. Visitors should use common sense and follow this guidance from the National Recreation and Park Association for staying safe while they are out:
- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
- Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
- Note that trail users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
- Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable. It is important that hikers on state forest backpack trails take their own water or filtration system because backpack trail water tanks will not be refilled at this time.
- Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect workers.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Category: People & Places
