U. S. Forest Service
Talladega National Forest
1001 North Street
Talladega, Alabama  35160

Attention: Gloria Nielsen, District Ranger
Dear Ranger Nielsen
I am writing concerning the proposal to close the Lake Chinnabee campground in Talladega Nat’l Forest to overnight camping. This proposal seems to make the assumption that campers are unable or perhaps unwilling to assume any responsibility for their own wellbeing when venturing into the campground and surrounding areas.

With all due respect, I feel that most people who would entertain the idea of camping in a place like Lake Chinnabee are aware of some risk being inherent in the decision as is the case with all camping in National Forests’, National Parks, State Parks and any other public lands.

The decision , I feel, should be left to the individual who may choose to camp in a location like Chinnabee. This is one of very few campgrounds in Alabama that allow for the camper who may relish the atmosphere of a place that still maintains a more primitive environment with no streetlights and few amenities and a sense of isolation and solitude surrounded by what surely is one of the more beautiful  and unique small coves and lakes in the state. The sense of peace and the beautiful surroundings are reason enough for finding a way to maintain this beautiful campground for those who appreciate the more primitive approach to camping, yet may be unwilling or psychically unable to  immerse themselves in the backpacking environment.

With a small amount of effort, the Forest Service could make it known to potential campers that this area may , on occasion, be prone to flooding and that weather conditions should be monitored by campers prior to arriving. In the event of a forecast that seems to infer almost certain inclement weather, the Forest Service could reserve the right to close the campground till all apparent dangers were beyond concern. I feel the citizens should have the right to decide for themselves, with common sense and oversight by the Forest Service, whether or not they were willing to take what is, in fact, a very minimal risk.

I implore the Forest Service to reconsider this all or nothing approach to closing one of the most beautiful places in our state to the people who consider our National Forests  some  of the most important public lands in the United States. Thank you for your consideration of this viewpoint.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Walters
kennywaltersphoto@gmail.com