Shenandoah closes some areas to protect outcrops

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Some campsites in Shenandoah National Park have been closed to protect rock outcrops that house rare plants and animals.

The closures are part of the park’s new rock outcrop management plan. The plan prohibits access to the higher-altitude areas of several attractions, including Little Stony Man and areas of Overall Run Falls North and Mary’s Rock.

Shenandoah spokeswoman Karen Beck-Herzog tells The Daily News-Record (http://bit.ly/1vwHRsB ) that the areas closed to camping were chosen because of their proximity to sensitive plant and animal populations.

Species considered at risk include Virginia pine, northern red oak and the Shenandoah salamander.

Beck-Herzog says park officials are monitoring areas closed to the public for regrowth and recovery.

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Information from: Daily News-Record, http://www.dnronline.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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