Prince William Forest Park in Triangle is picking up the pieces after it was hit by strong winds this past weekend.
Downed trees and power lines and damaged cabin camps has led the National Park Service (NPS) to temporarily close off the property to visitors, according to a release.
The Prince William Forest RV Campground on Route 234 is open, but parts of the campground are closed.
The park is expected to reopen in the next two to three weeks, with the more “heavily used areas” reopening has safety issues are addressed.
“The safety of our visitors and staff is our absolute first priority,” Prince William Forest Park Superintendent Tanya Gossett said in a release. “Our crews are working with determination to clear hazardous trees from roads and trails and to replace electrical lines in campgrounds, cabin camps and picnic areas, so the public can safely enjoy the park.”
Many trees that have shallow roots, such as Virginia pines, were unable to withstand the gusts.
Crews have removed about 500 trees from park roads since Saturday.
“We are all eager to open the park again, but ask area residents and visitors to please respect these closures,” Gossett said. “If someone enters the park and gets hurt it will be extremely difficult to get them help and it will further delay reopening the park to all visitors.”
