Cherokee National Forest Temporarily Closes Little Stoney Camping Area Due to Bear Activity

Photo bycourtesy of John Dabbs

Public Health and Safety Concerns Prompt Closure of Popular Camping Spot at Watauga Lake

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. - The Cherokee National Forest has announced the temporary closure of the Little Stoney Dispersed Camping Area on Watauga Lake, effective August 30, due to public health and safety concerns. The closure comes in response to a significant amount of trash left by visitors, which has attracted bears to the site, creating potential dangers for both humans and wildlife.

In a news release, forestry officials emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the presence of bears at the campsite is directly linked to improper disposal of garbage. This has raised concerns about increased human-bear interactions, which can be hazardous.

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“This behavior is against our eastern Tennessee values and dangerous to humans and wildlife,” said Terence Rose, district ranger for the Watauga Ranger District. “A very small few of our visitors unfortunately can cause great harm for everyone. When visiting recreational areas on the forest, please be mindful of others and clean up after yourself.”

Forestry workers discovered dangerous and hazardous objects among the discarded trash, further complicating the cleanup process. The closure will remain in effect until the area is thoroughly cleaned and deemed safe for public use. During this period, the site will be patrolled, and signs will be posted to inform potential visitors of the closure.

The decision to close the camping area underscores the importance of responsible outdoor recreation. Forest officials are urging all visitors to adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles, which include properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. These guidelines are crucial for preserving the natural beauty and safety of the forest.

Bears, whose natural diets typically consist of nuts, berries, and insects, can become habituated to human food when trash is left unsecured, leading to increased encounters with people. Such encounters not only pose a threat to human safety but can also result in negative outcomes for the bears, including relocation or euthanasia if they become too accustomed to human-provided food sources .

The Cherokee National Forest, which spans over 650,000 acres across eastern Tennessee, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the recent closure of the Little Stoney Dispersed Camping Area serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between recreational use and environmental stewardship.

For further information on the closure and cleanup efforts, visitors are encouraged to contact the Watauga Ranger District Office at (423) 735-1500.

Sources:

• USDA Forest Service: Information on bear safety and "Leave No Trace" principles can be found on the official USDA Forest Service website.
• National Park Service: Provides educational resources on human-bear interactions and the impact of improperly disposed trash in forested areas.
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Offers additional guidelines and safety tips regarding wildlife encounters in Tennessee.