Hurricane Helene Damage Closes DNR Areas And Facilities

The impacts of Hurricane Helene and its destructive path though Georgia remain profound. Teams from all aspects of DNR are currently in the field right now helping with relief efforts, including assisting counties and power companies with clearing roads. While it is nothing compared to what people are dealing with in terms of loss of life and damage to homes and businesses, there are impacts to hunting and fishing access on some public lands.

“There are a couple of bonus hunts happening this weekend in the affected area, we are converting those into regular sign-in hunts for those that choose to still hunt those WMAs. If you harvest a deer, you will need to Game Check it yourself,” said Kaitlin Goode, Chief of WRD’s Communications, Education & Outreach Division. “We are advising people that some of those WMAs are not accessible and have not been cleared by our crews, so they should proceed with extreme caution,” Kaitlin said.

Below is the latest Oct. 2 update from Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Check https://georgiawildlife.com/closures for regular updates, which have been posted daily since the storm.

Weather Alerts – Hurricane Helene

Last updated 10/2/24 12:07 am

As we continue the recovery from Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to be safe.

Avoid Floodwaters: Flooded areas may contain hidden hazards like sharp debris and raw sewage. You can become seriously ill by wading through floodwaters. Stay safe by steering clear.

Stay Out of Swift-Moving Water: This is no time to try your hand at extreme kayaking. Swift water is carrying debris and trees. Do not endanger your life or the lives of first responders when you inevitably get yourself into life-threatening danger.

Stay Away from Powerlines: Downed powerlines can be extremely dangerous. Always assume they’re live and keep your distance. Powerlines can also be touching other objects that can become energized. Be aware of your surroundings.

Watch for Falling Trees: The storm has weakened many trees. Be cautious of any that appear unstable. Pay particular attention to downed trees that are leaning on other trees. We call these “widow makers.”

Stay Off the Roads: Crews are working tirelessly across the state and need access to affected areas. You can help by staying off the roads and out of their way.

Facility Closures

• All DNR offices in Region 3, 4, Waycross and Richmond Hill are closed to the public through Oct 2.
• Sapelo Island Visitor Center and Long Tabby House are closed until power is restored.
• Shooting Ranges (Richmond Hill, Dixon Memorial)

WMA & PFA Closures and Changes

Wildlife Management Areas:

• Bullard Creek WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
• Clarks Hill-East WMA – Area closed through 10/7/24 (and then re-evaluated) due to significant damage and downed powerlines.
• Dawson Forest WMA – City of Atlanta Tract – Shoal Creek Bridge is closed (due to structural issues). However, the rest of the WMA is open.
• Di-Lane WMA – Area closed through 10/7/24 (and then re-evaluated) due to significant damage and downed powerlines.
• Flat Tub WMA -Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
• Grand Bay WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
• Horse Creek WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
• Ohoopee Dunes WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.

For closure info re: WMAs on USDA Forest Service land (see following list), visit the USDA Forest Service website at fs.usda.gov/main/conf/: Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Cohutta, Coopers Creek, Johns Mountain, Lake Russell, Rich Mountain, Swallow Creek, Warwoman

Public Fishing Areas:

• Evans PFA- Due to damages from Helene, the PFA and the campground are closed.
• Hugh M. Gillis PFA– Due to damages from Helene, the nature trail, primitive campground and bathrooms are closed.
• McDuffie PFA– Due to damages from Helene, the PFA and the campground are closed.
• Paradise PFA– The area is open, but the campground is closed.

Boat Ramps

• Beaverdam WMA boat ramp on Oconee River (trees down on access roads – can’t get to boat ramp) (Laurens County)
• Broad River SR17 (Elbert County)
• Brigham’s Landing ramp (Yuchi WMA)
• Lock and Dam Ramp (Baurle boat ramp-Augusta-Richmond Co) will be closed as of 6pm (9/26/24)
• McDuffie PFA Boat Ramps
• Scuffle Bluff Landing at Horse Creek WMA (Telfair Co.-Ocmulgee River).
• Shady Field Landing on Oconee River (tree down across entrance road) (Laurens County)

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Last updated 10/1/24 10:39 am

• WMAs, PFAs, & Hatcheries
• Shooting Ranges
• Boat Ramps
• Education Centers

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WMA, PFA, & Hatchery Comprehensive Closures, Not Only Related To The Storm

Region 1

For road closures on U.S. Forest Service properties, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/ for the most current information. Review the gate openings and hunting season information for the 24-25 hunting season.
*Please note that the stream near Holly Creek Bridge is undergoing maintenance but should have minimal impact on traffic.

To see Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest weather-affected closures, visit the USFS alerts page.

Charles B Henson VPA

Updated 6/20/24
Effective immediately, Charles B. Henson VPA will no longer be enrolled in the Voluntary Public Access program. As of 6/20/2024, the property is no longer available for public access.

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Region 2

For road closures on U.S. Forest Service properties (Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Cooper’s Creek, Lake Russell, Redlands, Swallow Creek, and Warwoman), please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/ for the most current information.

Chestatee WMA

Updated 1/11/24
Forest Service has temporarily closed Boggs Creek Road (FS Road #443) due to road damage.

Dawson Forest WMA

Updated 9/30/24
Dawson Forest WMA – City of Atlanta Tract – Shoal Creek Bridge is closed (due to structural issues). However, the rest of the WMA is open.

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Region 3

Cybel WMA/Marben PFA

Updated 10/16/23
Lake Margery at Marben PFA is currently closed to all access (fishing/boating). The lake has been drained for maintenance. When complete, the lake will be allowed to refill. Once water is at appropriate levels, fish stockings can occur. Potential re-opening date for this lake is Spring 2025.

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Region 6

Altamaha WMA

Updated 9/16/21
The job of repairing Hurricane Irma damages to the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (located on the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area) continues. Waterfowl hunters planning to hunt this area should take note of repairs and conditions to help prevent unwanted surprises and frustrations.

Updated 1/17/24
The Road to McGowan Lake tract is closed due to rising river level. It will remain closed until the river recedes.

Grand Bay WMA

Updated 7/9/21
Due to military training needs on the federally owned portion (Highway 221 tract) of Grand Bay WMA, that section will be closed to public access periodically.

The automatic gate to the Grand Bay WMA boardwalk and lookout tower is open from 6 a.m.–8 p.m. daily and during classes at the Education Center. Anyone in that area after 8 p.m. may be locked in and is subject to being ticketed by the GADNR Law Enforcement Division.

Little Satilla WMA

Updated 8/9/24
As of Aug. 1, 2024, the southwestern border of the Little Satilla Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has changed. The landowner has removed approximately 1,109 acres in Pierce County along the Little Satilla River from the WMA agreement with the state. This change takes place near GA Highway 32, Lilac Rd, and Knight Rd. Gates have been installed at the boundary lines and off-property roads have been removed from the online map. See the online map for updated WMA boundary lines.

Townsend WMA

Updated 1/17/24
Roads accessing portions of Townsend WMA may be flooded by the Altamaha River during times of high water. WMA users should use caution and make appropriate plans anytime the Altamaha River level at the Doctortown gauge is above 7ft. Check the National Weather Service for up to date levels.

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Education Centers

Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center

Updated 10/16/23
Lake Margery at Marben PFA is currently closed to all access (fishing/boating). The lake has been drained for maintenance. When complete, the lake will be allowed to refill. Once water is at appropriate levels, fish stockings can occur. Potential re-opening date for this lake is Fall 2024.

McDuffie Environmental Education Center

Updated 9/30/24
Due to recovery efforts post Hurricane Helene, the McDuffie Environmental Education Center will not be open for field trips through the end of October 2024. The Center will be available for school outreach programs. If interested, please contact Kimberly Clements to make a reservation or for more information. Note that the Center has limited internet and cell service, we will get back with you as soon as possible!

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Shooting & Archery Ranges

Clybel Shooting Range

Updated 7/31/2024
Currently, only the life-sized steel targets are available for use on the rifle range. Shotgun field #2 is closed.

Richmond Hill Shooting Range and Richmond Hill Archery Range

Posted 9/19/2024
Richmond Hill Shooting Range and Richmond Hill Archery Range will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, Oct. 1 (all day) for a special event. The range will re-open for public use on Wed. Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.

 

Boat Ramps

If designated parking areas on boat ramps, shooting ranges, trail heads or similar areas are full, the area has reached capacity. Do not park outside designated spaces. Do not park in any area not designated for legal parking. Normal rules for parking on WMAs apply—see hunting regulations publication on page 41.

**Boat Ramp Interactive Map

**Contact region offices should you want to check ramp conditions ahead of time.

Boat Ramp Closures

Brewton’s Bridge Landing on the Canoochee River (Evans County)

Posted 8/22/24
Effective immediately, Brewton’s Bridge Landing on the Canoochee River, located adjacent to the State Road 169 Bridge, is temporarily closed. Closure is due to recent storm-related flooding that impacted the parking lot, creating hazardous conditions. A reopening date has not yet been determined. If needed, anglers and boaters can access the Canoochee River downstream at the US 280 ramp (Evans County).

Burkett’s Ferry Landing (Jeff Davis County)

Posted 8/16/24
Beginning 8/26/24, Burkett’s Ferry Landing on the Ocmulgee River in Jeff Davis County will be closed for ramp and parking area renovation. This renovation process may take up to eight (8) weeks. Boaters and anglers may use Rocky Hammock Landing (upstream) or Hinson’s Landing (downstream) – both in Jeff Davis County and on the Ocmulgee River.

Ogeechee River Boat Ramp SR4/US1 (Jefferson County)

Updated 8/10/23
The Ogeechee River Boat Ramp located in Jefferson County at Georgia State Route 4/US Highway 1 is closed due to bridge replacement construction operations. A heavy crane will be placed at the ramp site to facilitate the movement of materials for the bridge project. A re-opening date for the ramp is yet to be determined. Alternative boat ramp locations on the Ogeechee River are as follows: upstream at State Hwy 88 (Jefferson County), and downstream at State Hwy 78 (Jefferson County).

Cautions

Highway 83 Boat Ramp (Jasper County, Ocmulgee River)

Updated 8/9/24
Caution When Using: Anglers and boaters using the Hwy. 83 Boat Ramp (Jasper County, Ocmulgee River – about 15 miles south of Monticello) should know that the boat ramp is open to the public. However, caution is advised due to ongoing logging and clearing operations in preparation of upcoming ramp replacement and highway bridge rebuilding.  There will be heavy equipment moving nearby with logging trucks entering and exiting the property. Further information will be posted as needed.