Island Campground, a six-site campground five miles north and east of Bartow, became a walk-in only facility in April due to concerns about bridge safety.

Greenbrier District Ranger William Dunk explained that the camp is no longer accessible to motor coaches and vehicles due to the bridges lack of stability.

ﾓThere are two very old bridges in the campgrounds that are unsafe for vehicle traffic,ﾔ he said. ﾓWe are looking at fixing the bridges, but there is a cost issue.ﾔ

Dunk added that the six sites in the campground are in a flood plain.ﾓIf we find the money to fix the bridges, we may also look into moving the campgrounds to a different location, out of the flood plain,ﾔ he said.

Concern about the campground has risen in the community and several petitions for opening the campground have been placed throughout the upper end of the county.

Dunk said he wants to reiterate that the campground is not closed permanently and that foot traffic is permitted.