Visitors looking to take a stroll through nearby Bankhead Forest are now able to do so.

The national forests in Alabama are beginning to reopen recreational facilities after employees began returning to work on Thursday, Oct. 17, following the federal government shutdown.

“We are very pleased to be back at work and reopen these facilities that people enjoy every day on the national forests in Alabama. We hope everyone will be patient with us as we safely resume normal operations,” said Forest Supervisor Steve Lohr.

Forest employees are working not only to clean and evaluate the safety of each facility and site, but also to repair any vandalism or resource damage that may have occurred during the shutdown.

“It took us a few days to close all of our facilities, so it may take us the same for reopening,” said Lohr.  “We look forward to making all of our programs and activities available to the public as soon as possible.”

Recreation sites on the Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee National Forests have reopened. For a current listing of open sites, check the “Know Before You Go” on the website, www.fs.usda.gov/alabama, or call a national forest office.

Bankhead District in Double Springs – (205) 489-5111, Conecuh District in Andalusia – (334) 222-2555, Shoal Creek District in Heflin – (256) 463-2272, Talladega District in Talladega – (256) 362-2909, Oakmulgee District in Centreville – (205) 926-9765, the Tuskegee District in Tuskegee – (334) 727-2652 and the central office in Montgomery at (334) 832-4470.