Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 02, 2020
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
The Channels Natural Area Preserve to close due to COVID-19
RICHMOND — Effective tomorrow, April 3, at 8 p.m., The Channels Natural Area Preserve will be closed to the public. The closure applies to the primary access point on Virginia Highway 80 in Hayters Gap and includes the parking area, the trail leading to the rock formations and the rock formations themselves.
The closure is in effect through at least June 10.
Visitation at the preserve has surpassed capacity in recent weeks, resulting in large rocks being thrown into the channels from above, vandalism and other negative impacts to the preserve. Many sections of the preserve also require people to be in tight, confined spaces. These spaces are not conducive to the strict social distancing requirements outlined in Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-Five and needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 721-acre preserve in Washington and Russell counties is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry. The preserve is within the 4,836-acre Channels State Forest. The closure does not apply to the rest of the state forest, and forest access on Brumley Mountain Road remains open.
DCR urges people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Groups greater than 10 are prohibited. People should keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others. Those who are sick should stay home.
For information, go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/nap-covid-19.
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