SAVANNAH, GA - This week Fort Pulaski National Monument began a project to remove storm debris and mechanically reduce wood fuel loads that have created an increased risk of wildfires in the park. This project is expected to last until spring and may temporarily close areas of the park outside of historic Fort Pulaski.
In 2016 and 2017 the park was impacted by two hurricanes and a tornado. These weather events left a tremendous amount of storm debris in the wooded areas surrounding the fort. This project, led by Energy and Environment, LLC, will focus on the removal of marine debris, dead and damaged trees, limbs and woody vegetation, along with a large debris pile that has built up in the storm’s wake. While mitigations to human hazards and the risk of wildfire are the primary objective of this project, conservation of habitat for rare and endangered species and maintaining the natural conditions of the maritime forest on Cockspur Island are also desired outcomes.
The areas that will be affected during the several month long project are highlighted on the map provided. When a closure is in effect, all closed areas will be marked and visitors asked to adhere to these restrictions for public safety reasons. The park will provide updated information regarding closed areas on the park website and social media platforms as soon as practicable.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/FortPulaski or call (912) 786-5787. Follow the park on Instagram at www.instagram.com/FortPulaskiNPS, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS, or like the official Fort Pulaski National Monument Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS.
-NPS
Tags: hurricane irma storm debris recovery news release
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
