Important Information Concerning COVID-19

March 29, 2020

Dear Friends of Panthertown,

In these uncertain times we want to give you an update on Panthertown and the work that we are doing to continue protecting and maintaining this special place.

We are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and local authorities to monitor the situation and provide accurate information at this time. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is of great concern to us.

Due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we strongly encourage you to stay safe and stay at home as much as possible until all emergency orders have been lifted. We hope that you will understand and thank you for your continued support as we navigate through this global crisis together.

Trail use, backcountry access, and dispersed camping in Panthertown, following CDC social distancing guidelines, and in groups of 10 persons or less, currently remain open for local residents at this time. However, the U.S. Forest Service and local authorities are encouraging everyone to stay at home as much as possible, especially those from outside of our area. Future access to the trail system and backcountry may change. We will continue to keep you informed.

We have posted a public health notice on our website and on trailhead kiosks.

All organized volunteer activities and group trail work days in Panthertown and the surrounding National Forests in North Carolina are postponed until at least May 15, per the decision of the U.S. Forest Service.

Rest assured, our staff and volunteers are working diligently from home, together in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, as we continue our work planning for much-needed conservation projects in Panthertown. Your continued support and understanding during this time is essential for us to continue our important work.

We hope that you and your family stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to sharing brighter days ahead on the trails in Panthertown. We’re in this together.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via e-mail.

Sincerely,

Jason Kimenker
Executive Director
Friends of Panthertown
friends@panthertown.org

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