Due to Hurricane Fran's extensive destruction of trees in Duke Forest, officials have closed the 8,000-acre research reserve and outdoor recreation locale until further notice. Surveys revealed tremendous damage in particular areas of the forest-most notably in the Kortisan Division in Orange County, where 70 percent to 80 percent of the timber was razed by the storm. After the hurricane moved through the region, the Forest's seven-person staff walked through the area to begin assessing the damage. They determined that most of the 25 miles of public road running through the forest required clearing. There is a lot of wood that's either falling or hasn't fallen yet.
Officials hope to resume operations within a few weeks.