New Mobile App for National Forest Visitors

Would you like to have the forest in the palm of your hand? Now you can. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests has released its first mobile app that helps visitors locate recreational activities on the two national forests in Georgia. The app is free and delivers information about 49 recreation sites.  In addition, the app will deliver forest news and alerts to visitors so that they can keep informed about changing conditions while they are on the go. “We knew there was a gap in our ability to communicate important information to a significant and growing number of people who are using smart phones and tablets,” said Betty Mathews, Forest Supervisor for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. “The goal of this project is to enhance experiences for forest visitors who use mobile devices,” Mathews went on to say. The app will guide visitors to featured recreation sites that provide a quality and convenient experience, while showcasing the natural beauty of north Georgia.  Additionally, the app offers local communities a creative marketing tool to attract tourists interested in outdoor recreation opportunities. The app is designed for both Apple and Android smart phones and tablets. For complete details about the app and where to get it, visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, hundreds of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is part of the Southern Region, with the Forest Supervisor’s office in Gainesville, Georgia, managing four District units in Blairsville (Blue Ridge District), Lakemont (Chattooga River District), Chatsworth (Conasauga District), and Eatonton (Oconee District).