Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area in the Davy Crockett National Forest will be closed to the public from April 7 to April 27 while environmental studies are conducted for a proposed redesign of the recreation area.

The temporary closing of Ratcliff will allow Forest Service employees and volunteers to accomplish a number of projects and assessments during this designated period of time, according to Davy Crockett District Ranger JR Lawrence.

"This is the first phase of a process to redesign and update the area to provide a better recreation experience for visitors in the future," Lawrence said.

The area will reopen on April 28 and remain open year round.

For more information on Ratcliff Lake and other Forest Service recreation areas, contact Lawrence at 936-655-2299 or visit the Forest Service Website at www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas.