STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Heavy rain and flash flooding Monday night caused significant damage to portions of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release.

The Forest has issued a Road and Area Closure for portions of the Great Divide and Washburn Ranger Districts. National Forest roads, trails and developed recreation sites west of Highway 13, north of Highway 77 and east of Highway 63 are currently closed. The closure area also includes National Forest system lands west of Highway 63 to the Delta-Drummond Road (Forest Road 223) to Forest Road 397 to Forest Road 224. The closure will be updated on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF.

Forest Service personnel began surveying the damage yesterday and are continuing to assess road and trail conditions on the Great Divide and Washburn Ranger Districts of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Currently, Beaver Lake Campground near Mellen and St. Peter’s Dome-Morgan Falls are closed until further notice. There are numerous roads and bridges that are currently impassable due to flooding and washouts. Please note that closure devices may not be in place indicating the road is impassable.

High winds and the potential for additional weather may cause further damage to Forest Service roads, bridges, trails and recreation areas. Please use caution if visiting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and traveling on Forest Service roads, bridges and trails. Drivers are advised to practice defensive driving techniques, reduce your speed, drive with your lights on and watch out for flooded roadways, washed-out culverts and bridges. In addition, Forest employees are out assessing roads and operating heavy equipment and dump trucks beginning to make repairs.

For more information on the flood event please visit the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website at www.fs.udsa.gov/CNNF. You may also contact the Great Divide Ranger District at 715-634-4821.