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Prince William Forest Park Ready To Reopen

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After three weeks of tree removal and cleanup after a powerful winter wind storm, Prince William Forest Park in Virginia was set to reopen Saturday/NPS

Beaten down a bit by a potent winter storm earlier this month, Prince William Forest Park in Virginia was scheduled to reopen at noon on Saturday.

The majority of the park was to reopen at noon. Crews cleared more than 1,500 fallen and hazardous trees from approximately 21 miles of road and 37 miles of trail following the March 2-3 windstorms.  

“We are very pleased to welcome the public back to their national park,” said Prince William Forest Park Superintendent Tanya Gossett. “It’s been an intense three weeks for National Park Service crews and contractors, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we cleared hazard trees and restored electrical lines throughout the park.”  

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scenic Drive and most park trails were expected to reopen at noon Saturday. The Turkey Run and Oak Ridge campgrounds and the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area will scheduled to resume normal operations on Monday, March 26.  Cabin camp areas are open to permit holders only.

Prince William Forest Park is managed as a natural area and there are always risks involved in outdoor recreation. Visitors should exercise caution while recreating and remain aware of their surroundings. Visitors are highly encouraged to stop in the visitor center to discuss hiking plans with a park ranger.

Damage caused by the windstorms in Prince William Forest Park was significantly greater than other recent storms, including Hurricanes Isabel and Sandy and the 2012 derecho. The park was closed on March 6 due to public safety concerns.

Fifteen national parks shared crews and equipment with Prince William Forest Park to assist with clean-up efforts. Under an agreement with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, several trained volunteer sawyers also helped with fallen tree removal.

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