Bankhead recreation area beaches opening soon
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - At the quarterly meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel at First National Bank in Double Springs, March 14, District Ranger Andy Scott provided a number of updates.
Bankhead Liaison Panel
Forest officials looking at options regarding damaged Sipsey Rec Area bridge
The pedestrian lane of the bridge in the Sipsey Picnic Area was smashed by a falling tree during the high winds of March 3. The entire bridge is unsafe for all forms of traffic. With the lower parking lot and trailhead inaccessible, the U.S. Forest Service is assessing how to proceed.
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The fate of the nearly 90-year-old bridge in the Sipsey River Picnic Area, which has been closed since it was damaged by a wind-felled tree on March 3, will not be known for some time.
Bankhead Liaison Panel meeting March 14 in Double Springs
DOUBLE SPRINGS - The next meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel will be Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. at First National Bank on Highway 278 in Double Springs.
Future of Houston Recreation Area questioned
The campground at Houston Recreation Area, shown here on April 28, was one of a number of topics addressed by the Bankhead Liaison Panel at its May meeting.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Questions from the public at the May 3 Bankhead Liaison Panel meeting revealed concerns about boat launch access on Smith Lake, the status of the Houston Recreation Area campground and the need for parking at the unofficial Caney Creek Falls trailhead, among other things.
Long hiring process for new ranger expected
WINSTON COUNTY - The May meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel - the first held in person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - addressed a wide array of topics, including personnel changes, new Forest Service projects and contracts, Wild Alabama programs and upcoming events.