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Hune Bridge Campground re-opens in July

The Hune Bridge Campground is set to re-open in July after renovations are complete, according to Wayne National Forest.

The campground has been closed since last October due to safety concerns.

“The low-water crossing on the road into the campground was identified as both a safety hazard and an impediment to aquatic organism passage,” said Dawn McCarthy, recreation team leader for Wayne National Forest. “In order to replace the crossing with a bottomless arch culvert, the campground closed on Oct. 11 last year.”

The Hune Bridge Campground is located about 15 miles north of Marietta on Ohio 26. Set along the Little Muskingum River, paddlers and anglers utilized the campground before its closing.

Marietta resident Harley Noland used to own the Hune House located across from the campground. He said when he owned the nationally registered historic home, he had ideas for a bed and breakfast as the campground was close by.

“I saw that as a real positive feature but I’ve since sold that home,” he said. “It’s a really nice place to fish. It’s kind of located under a cliff-side making the campground very cool and the water very cool.”

At the end of last month, the closure order was extended for the campground from last fall. The order will remain in effect for 60 days or until it has been terminated by the forest supervisor. An order violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization. A violation can also be punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months.

“The construction process degraded the road and parking spurs in the campground, leading to both safety and environmental concerns that needed to be addressed before the campground can be reopened,” said McCarthy. “Normally, the campground is seasonally closed from Dec. 16 to April 14.”

According to McCarthy, work is being done to correct the low-water crossing. Also, a better place for water access is being completed.

“To date, we have added a new culvert on the road leading into the campground, we have replaced the old pit toilet and we have added a new campsite bringing the total of sites from three to four,” she said. “Once maintenance of the road and parking spurs is completed, the campground will be ready to open. Unfortunately, the contracting process for road maintenance has taken longer than expected this year and we appreciate the public’s patience while we work out the process.”

McCarthy is expecting all the work to be complete within the next month.

“The contract to complete road maintenance was awarded this week. Barring no unusual circumstances or prolonged inclement weather, we plan to open Hune Bridge Campground by mid-July,” she said.

Noland said he’s glad they’re making the fixes as he remembers the campground staying pretty active in the summer.

“It’s a nice place to pitch a tent being that it stays cooler with shade. It’s a naturally beautiful spot,” he said.

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