Camping in Allegheny National Forest and Monogahela National Forest closed

[Meatseeker]

I just confirmed with rangers in both Allegheny National Forest in PA and Monogahela National Forest in WV that both areas are completely closed to all camping.  This includes remote, dispersed camping sites, and formal camp grounds.  All of it is closed to camping.

My 2020 spring turkey camp just got torched!!!   And I already bought PA tags....

[Meatseeker]

 :-[To say that I am bummed is an understatement.

[Tail Feathers]

Also closed in Texas NF's.   

[mcw3734]

I just spoke to the Public Affairs Officer on the Monongahela NF in West Virginia. Dispersed camping IS still permitted, as is backcountry camping and backpacking.

I sent a pm to the OP with her contact information to hopefully clear up any confusion.

[TauntoHawk]

I can not fathom the reason behind these things yet the in-store capacity of the local Wal-mart is 900 at a time

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[Meatseeker]

I just spoke to the Public Affairs Officer on the Monongahela NF in West Virginia. Dispersed camping IS still permitted, as is backcountry camping and backpacking.

I sent a pm to the OP with her contact information to hopefully clear up any confusion.

Thanks.  Very strange I have a voice mail from the district manager in Marlinton and she said dispersed camping is not allowed???

[Cowboy]

I can not fathom the reason behind these things yet the in-store capacity of the local Wal-mart is 900 at a time

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I agree

[mcw3734]

I just spoke to the Public Affairs Officer on the Monongahela NF in West Virginia. Dispersed camping IS still permitted, as is backcountry camping and backpacking.

I sent a pm to the OP with her contact information to hopefully clear up any confusion.

Thanks.  Very strange I have a voice mail from the district manager in Marlinton and she said dispersed camping is not allowed???

**CLARIFICATION NEEDED**

Meatseeker,

I forwarded your response to the Public Affairs Officer for the Monongahela NF, who also happens to be a good friend of mine. She did say there are a few areas where dispersed camping is NOT allowed on that particular ranger district, but that it is not a blanket closure for the entire forest.

Here are some links she wanted me to forward:

Announcement of the various camping closures, including where dispersed camping is NOT allowed
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mnf/alerts-notices/?aid=57488

The actual signed Closure Order itself
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd719574.pdf

Monongahela National Forest ranger district offices with contact information
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mnf/about-forest/offices

She strongly suggests anybody considering coming to visit/camp/hunt on the forest call the appropriate ranger district for the latest information, as things are changing regularly. Also, the governor of West Virginia has implemented some quarantine requirements for out-of-staters, so check with the state's website for those details. She said I could post her work contact information for anybody with questions. She gets calls regularly, including from hunters, so call for the latest.

Kelly Bridges
Public Affairs Officer - Monongahela National Forest
Work cell: 304-642-2864

As a a fellow public affairs specialist for the BLM out west, I can attest to the speed at which things have changed regarding closures and everything else with this virus situation. And I don't blame anybody for feeling a bit confused at times. But the best thing you can do is call the appropriate land management agency you are thinking of visiting and asking for the latest info. As you plan and also just before you leave your driveway. It is a very weird time and things are happening fast.

Stay safe everybody and happy hunting (if you're able)