The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will temporarily close two sections of roads within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges due to the recent heavy rains and a shortage of dollars for road maintenance.

   The Bad Creek Road and a section of the Cane Creek Road will be temporarily closed until funds are available to permit routine maintenance. The Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges totals about 32,000 acres and contains about 40 miles of roads open for public, vehicular access from March 20 to May 10 and from Sept. 15 until Jan. 1 of each year. All roads are open year round to foot travel, horse riders and non-motorized mountain bikes unless otherwise posted.

        The Bad Creek Road and Cane Creek Road sections are interior roads that total about 5 miles. Recent rains have impacted both roads. Temporary closure will save maintenance dollars and allow a mixture of seeds to be planted in the roadbed to protect water quality and boost wildlife habitat values.

        The scenic overlook of Lake Jocassee, known as Jumping-Off-Rock, may be accessed from Horsepasture Road and the US Highway 178 entrance near Laurel Valley Lodge. Cane Creek Road may be traveled to reach Cane Creek, however, it will be closed at the Cane Creek Bridge. Bad Creek Road provides access to Laurel Fork Falls, but recent rains have caused it to approach minimum environmental standards. Laurel Fork Creek and the falls on Lake Jocassee may continue to be accessed by the Foothills Trail or by walking in on the Canebrake or Dawkins Flats Roads.

        "When the Jocassee Gorges was acquired in 1997, an annual appropriation of $250,000 was in effect to help maintain the large property," said Sam Stokes Sr., S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regional wildlife biologist based in Clemson and leader of the Jocassee Gorges Management Team. "However, those funds were among the first of DNR funds to be cut. The overall DNR budget has been greatly reduced in the past two years. The DNR is struggling to maintain open roads while keeping its commitment to protect the environment. The agency is also having to prioritize road maintenance to assure that each dollar is spent in critical areas."

        Waterfalls, green salamanders, rare plants such as Oconee bells and many long-range vistas are just a few of the natural wonders that may be found in the Jocassee Gorges in Pickens and Oconee counties. More information on the Jocassee Gorges may be obtained on the DNR's Web site at http://water.dnr.state.sc.us.