Frequently Asked Questions
1. Closure date.
·Scheduled closure date is July 29,
2004.
2. Is it permanent?
·Yes. It will be permanently closed
to unauthorized civilian access.
3. Why is this area being closed to the public?
· In order to comply with and execute new Army Range
safety regulations dated May 19, 2003 (IAW
AR 385-63, Range Safety).
· The MS Army National Guard (MSARNG) and the USDA
Forest Service (Forest Service) must comply
with regulatory guidance that requires installations
to prohibit unauthorized access to impact areas.
· To reduce the threat to human health and safety from
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).
4. How large an area is being closed?
· Approximately 13,500 acres of National Forest lands
on the De Soto Ranger District.
· Note: There are another 370,500 acres in the De Soto
National Forest available for these activities, including
three wildlife management areas.
5. How will I know which areas are closed on Camp
Shelby?
·
There will be signage posted around the perimeter
stating that this area is “Off limits to the
general public.”
6. Will I still be able to access this area to hunt?
· No. This area will be closed to all unauthorized
use by civilians and the general public. Entrance
into this area will be strictly prohibited.
7. How will this closure be enforced?
· The area will be patrolled by Forest Service Law
Enforcement Personnel as well as Military personnel
and additional Law Enforcement Personnel will be
assigned to assist.
8. Is this closure in any way related to the recent
litigation and claims for damages from two youths
who came into the possession of UXO from the impact
area which resulted in death and injury?
· The closure of this area is to protect the public
from exposure to unexploded ordnance and to comply
with Army Range Safety regulations.
· The above mentioned case is in litigation and we
cannot discuss it.
· This closure is mandated and will prevent future
incidents or accidents that occur when civilians
enter range/impact areas and remove UXO, as well
as vehicular accidents which have occurred in the
area, etc.
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