W.G. Jones State Forest Closed

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- As the State of Texas responds to COVID-19, Texas state forests and arboretums will be temporarily closed effective at the close of business today, April 7. This closing follows Governor Greg Abbott’s mandate that Texas state parks and historical sites close as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen social distancing practices and prevent gatherings of large groups of people.


The following state forests and arboretums are affected:


-W. Goodrich Jones State Forest in Montgomery County

-I.D. Fairchild State Forest in Cherokee County

-E.O. Siecke State Forest in Newton County

-John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest in Tyler County

-Masterson State Forest in Jasper County

-Ruth Bowling Nichols Arboretum in Cherokee County

-Olive Scott Petty Arboretum in Hardin County


Sites will reopen as the governor directs parks and historical sites to reopen.

While the forests and arboretums are closed to the public, our staff continues to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas. We are working with a skeleton crew and from remote locations.

You can reach your district forester and Texas A&M Forest Service staff during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (936)463-8258 or jonesstateforest@tfs.tamu.edu.