BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP/WVLT) -- Several roads throughout the Cherokee National Forest in upper East Tennessee will close for the winter to protect wildlife and reduce road maintenance costs.

The Bristol Herald Courier reports the U.S. Forest Service announced the annual seasonal road closures will begin on Dec. 17.

The winter road closures protect wildlife habitats, decrease disturbance for wildlife in the forest and reduce the cost to maintain the roads during the winter. The roads are located in the Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts and are located in the counties of Sullivan, Cocke, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Carter and Johnson.

For more information, contact the Forest Service district offices: Unaka Ranger Station in Greeneville, Tenn., at (423) 638-4109; and the Watauga Ranger Station in Unicoi, Tenn., at (423) 735-1500.