COVID Resurgence Brings Back Virtual Services Only Rules To Nebraska National Forests And Grasslands

       The resurgence of COVID-19 through the Delta variant has led the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands to return to virtual services only, effective today. Masks and social distancing are also required.

        Forest Supervisor Jack Isaacs says the move follows guidance from state and federal authorities to best protect the health and safety of both employees and members of the public.

      Isaacs says the U-S Forest Service is committed to continuing the good work its employees do daily, but with the health and safety of all visitors, employees and contractors still the #1 priority despite unpredictable and rapidly changing situations.

     Isaacs encourages visitors to contact their local forest or ranger district for the latest office hours and availability. 

      Those include the Supervisor’s Office-Pine Ridge Ranger District headquarters just north of the railroad tracks in Chadron, which is also the contact point for Hudson-Meng, and the Fall River Ranger District offices in Hot Springs. 

      Isaacs is also urging visitors to any national forest, national grassland, or other federal land to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index