SOCIAL MEDIA

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FOTS Classic Hikes of the NC Smokies: Boogerman Trail

Saturday, March 31, 2012

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The Friends of the Smokies "Classic Hikes of the Smokies" series continues next month with a hike on the Boogerman Trail. The 8.6-mile hike will features streams, big trees, artifacts and history.Learn how the Boogerman Loop got its unique name, walk along old stone walls that once protected gardens and home sites, and visit towering hemlock and tulip trees on the next guided hike with Friends of...
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Two Convicted of Galax Poaching on Blue Ridge Parkway

Friday, March 30, 2012

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NPS Digest is reporting this morning that while investigating a report of a suicidal person on March 24th, a Parkway ranger observed a driver operating a vehicle in a very suspicious manner in an area known for galax poaching. The ranger turned on the vehicle, and, as he approached, saw two men exit from it and flee into the adjacent woods, carrying duffle bags. The ranger later conducted a traffic...
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Take an Appalachian Spring Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Friday, March 30, 2012

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Take an Appalachian Spring Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a brand new video, published and narrated by Randy Johnson, author of Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, Best Easy Day Hikes Blue Ridge Parkway, and Hiking North Carolina. In the video Randy shows highlights of the Parkway as you travel south from Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains. Most importantly, he lets visitors know what are the...
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Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail Presentation

Thursday, March 29, 2012

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Running from Canada to Mexico, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is 2,663 miles in length, and has the greatest elevation change of any America's National Scenic Trails. The PCT is renowned in the hiking community for its stunning scenery.Bill "Skywalker" Walker, who has also hiked the Appalachian Trail and El Camino de Santiago, will share his experience and stories on the PCT and his struggles with...
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NPS Establishes National SAR Academy

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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The National Park Service has founded a National Search and Rescue Academy (NSARA) to provide comprehensive, standardized Servicewide training in basic search and rescue competencies.NSARA will be based in Northern Arizona in order to take advantage of the challenging rescue environments available throughout the region. The first training offering, which will be a six-week-long course in California,...
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Caring for Your Sleeping Bag

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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The following is a guest blog from Sport Chalet:Curling up in warm, comfortable sleeping bag every night is one of the fun parts of camping! To keep your sleeping bag in top condition you must learn the appropriate cleaning and care storage tips. Whether you camp once a month or once a year, a clean sleeping bag is a must for any outdoor adventure.Washing Your Sleeping BagHow you clean your sleeping...
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Horace Kephart: Camping and Woodcraft Presentation

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

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Next month author George Ellison will offer a slideshow presentation on the life and career of Horace Kephart at the REI in Asheville.Horace Kephart left his family and professional career to live alone from 1904 - 1907 in a cabin in what is today the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kephart, who is often referred to as the John Muir of the East, took all he learned in the years he spent living...
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Blue Ridge Parkway Opens New Communications Center

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

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On March 22nd, Blue Ridge Parkway celebrated the completion of its new Radio System Communications Center. The opening ceremony was co-hosted by the parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.The center, which features state of the art law enforcement and emergency communication capabilities, will provide radio communications for the parkway and for Kings Mountain NMP, Mt. Mitchell SP, and the...
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Two Searches For Missing Men Scaled Back in Smokies

Monday, March 26, 2012

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The park has scaled back both of the extended searches it’s been conducting – one for Derek Leuking, missing since March 15th, and the other for Michael Cocchini, whose abandoned car was found in the park on March 20th.Despite having up to 60 searchers involved in the effort for almost a week, search managers have not found a single clue that they can conclusively tie to either man. Without any concrete...
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Don't Let The Lyme Bugs Bite

Sunday, March 25, 2012

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The following is a guest blog by Marc Merullo:Many people spend a great deal of time outdoors. Parents take their children out for walks to the local park or around the neighborhood. A next door neighbor might be out cleaning the yard, the mailman delivering mail, the Federal Express truck making stops at various houses and businesses. Unfortunately, anyone who is outdoors doing anything could potentially...
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Glasgow and Buena Vista, Virginia Designated as Appalachian Trail Communities

Saturday, March 24, 2012

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On April 19th, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will celebrate the official designation of Buena Vista and Glasgow, Virginia as the newest Appalachian Trail Communities. A full day of celebratory activities is planned, starting in Buena Vista at 10:00am at the Buena Vista Visitor’s Center, followed by a ceremony at the Hiker Shelter in Glasgow at 1:30pm. The two communities are working collaboratively...
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Two Missing Person Searches Continue in Smokies

Friday, March 23, 2012

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Two major searches are continuing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – one for Derek Leuking, missing since March 15th, and the other for Michael Cocchini, whose abandoned car was found on Tuesday:Leuking Search – The park had approximately 60 people and three dog teams assigned to the search yesterday. They were organized into 14 search teams and combed areas off of trails that surround the Newfound...
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Timelapse video from the Smokies

Friday, March 23, 2012

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The latest video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association showcases a series of timelapse video clips from Mt. LeConte, Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, and Crooked Arm Cascades:JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Smokies Announces Extensive Vista Clearing Project

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Whenever the National Park Service has surveyed visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park about their planned activities while in the Park, the number one response has always been "viewing scenery - scenic views." Over the years the number and quality of those scenic viewpoints along Park roads has gradually declined. When Park roads were constructed, the forests had been extensively logged...
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American Hiking Society Offers Budget Friendly Volunteer Adventures

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Spring is right around the corner and if the warmer weather has you yearning for an outdoor adventure, consider a Volunteer Vacation with American Hiking Society. Whether you need a kick-start to organize your next outing, are interested in traveling to a new destination, or are eager to meet others who share your passion for the outdoors, American Hiking Society offers over 50 trail-building vacations...
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More details on Search for Second Missing Person in Smokies

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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Late yesterday Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park began a search for a second missing person, while the search for Derek Lueking continues. The second subject is Michael Giovanni Cocchini, 23, who is a Nashville resident staying temporarily in Gatlinburg. He was last seen by friends at the Walmart in Sevierville at about 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. Rangers became suspicious Tuesday...
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Two Searches Underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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According to the NPS Morning Report, two searches are now currently underway in the Smokies - the continuing effort to find Derek Leuking, 24, missing since March 15th, and a new search begun yesterday afternoon for a missing and despondent 23-year-old man.Approximately 30 searchers, three tracking dog teams and a helicopter were employed in yesterday's search for Leuking. Park trackers and search...
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Parkway Announces Facility Opening and Closing Dates for 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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Blue Ridge Parkway facilities will open for the 2012 season on a staggered basis beginning in early April. Linville Falls campground in NC opens April 2 and Otter Creek in VA opens April 6. All other Parkway campgrounds open May 11. Picnic Areas at Peaks of Otter and Humpback Rocks in VA and at Linville Falls in NC open April 6. All other picnic areas open May 11.The Peaks of Otter Lodge & Restaurant...
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Great Smoky Mountains Confirms White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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Biologists at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have confirmed that both a tricolored and a little brown bat found in a park cave tested positive for white-nose syndrome (WNS). This discovery transitions the park from only finding evidence of the fungus that causes WNS in a cave to now finding animals actively affected by the disease. White-nose syndrome is a disease caused by the fungus Geomyces...
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CTNC donates more Blue Ridge Parkway property to NPS

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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Last week the Conservation Trust for North Carolina announced that they have donated a small but critical tract of protected land near Cumberland Knob to the National Park Service.Known as the Roaring Fork Headwaters II property, the CTNC purchased the 12.7-acre tract near Milepost 220.6 in August 2011 and transferred it to the National Park Service (NPS) early this month. It joins two more properties...
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Take A Hike: 7 Great Social Media Tools for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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The following is a guest blog from Social Web Daily:Any hiker will tell you: there’s nothing better than reaching the summit of a mountaintop, after hours of maneuvering treacherous terrain and, in some cases, braving inclement weather conditions. The crisp air, the breathtaking view, the indescribable feeling of triumph — these are things that simply cannot be replicated online. But that doesn’t...
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Tremont Road (and trail) Closures

Monday, March 19, 2012

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Officials from Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that Tremont Road will be closed from dawn to dusk on Tuesday, March 20 and on Tuesday March 27, for the delivery and installation of a septic tank. During the closure periods there will be no access to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont or the West Prong, Lumber Ridge, and Middle Prong trailheads.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Search for Missing Person in Great Smoky Mountains

Monday, March 19, 2012

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Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have been searching for Derek Joseph Leuking, 24, of Louisville, TN who was reported missing by co-workers and family members on Thursday, March 15. Leuking was reportedly last seen at 4:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Microtell Hotel in Cherokee, NC.The subject's white Ford Escape was located Saturday morning at the Newfound Gap Parking Area in Great...
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National Park Week, April 21-29, Features Free Admission and Nationwide Events

Monday, March 19, 2012

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The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, invite people everywhere to enjoy, explore, learn, share, and give back to America’s nearly 400 national parks during National Park Week 2012.Celebrating the theme, “Picture Yourself in a National Park,” National Park Week will run from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29. Throughout...
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Become a Backpacker Magazine Gear Tester

Sunday, March 18, 2012

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Here's your chance to become a professional gear tester! Backpacker Magazine is currently looking for exceptional people that share their fascination with new products, cool gear, and upcoming trends.If selected, you will will win two prizes. First, you will test gear for Readers' Choice issue in January 2013. Second, you will become an elite member of the Backpacker Reader Reader team and will be...
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Boaters with permits can now float the Upper Chattooga River

Saturday, March 17, 2012

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U.S. Forest Service officials announced this week that beginning March 16, 2012, boaters with permits may float the upper segment of the Chattooga River when flows are high enough.“As soon as the weather cooperates and provides suitable flows, we anticipate that boaters will be floating the upper Chattooga,” said Paul Bradley, forest supervisor for the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. “I...
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Mile...Mile & A Half

Friday, March 16, 2012

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Back in December I posted a short video from a group of multimedia artists that spent 25 days hiking the 219-mile long John Muir Trail last summer. The video was only a small taste of a documentary film the group is currently working on.Recently, the group published the first official trailer for the documentary, called MILE...MILE & A HALF: A Journey Across The John Muir Trail. I know I said...
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Wears Cove entrance to close for 3 weeks

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains officials have announced that the Wears Cove entrance to the park will be closed from March 15 - April 5 for bridge and utility line replacement. There will be no access to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse during this time. Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area will open as scheduled on April 1. The north loop and picnic pavilion will open on April 6.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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New App Aids Exploration of America’s National Parks

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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Planning a trip to a national park? Want to keep a “life list” of the parks you visit? Meet your new favorite app.Developed by the National Park Service’s long-time nonprofit educational partner, Eastern National, the new app provides links to all 397 national park websites for quick access to trip planning. The app also allows users to keep track of the parks they’ve visited and add photos and descriptions...
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North-Bound Spur will be Reduced to One Lane During Slide Repair

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

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From 5:00 a.m. this morning through Wednesday, March 14, traffic on the north-bound Spur (U.S. 441) between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be funneled into one lane while a Park contractor removes unstable debris remaining from a March 5 rock slide. Traffic in the right hand lane of the Spur will be shifted into the left lane from just north of Little Smoky Road at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center...
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Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation allocates over $650,000 to BRP

Monday, March 12, 2012

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The Board of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has unanimously approved over $650,000 in funding to the Blue Ridge Parkway for 2012 projects and programs. These projects and programs cover a range of initiatives, including children’s education, projects to enrich the visitors’ experience, and preservation of historic, cultural and natural resources along the length of the Parkway. Superintendent of...
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USDA Forest Service seeks public input on road system in the Chattahoochee National Forest

Sunday, March 11, 2012

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The USDA Forest Service is beginning a study of the road system in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and wants to know which national forest roads are important to visitors and why. Anyone may provide comments now through April 13.“The Forest Service is committed to balancing the needs for public access to the Chattahoochee National Forest with our responsibility to sustain a productive, diverse...
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Waynesboro, Virginia is newest Appalachian Trail Community

Saturday, March 10, 2012

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On March 17, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will celebrate the official designation of Waynesboro as the newest Appalachian Trail Community™ at the Dominion Pavilion at Constitution Park beginning at 10:00 AM. The city will celebrating the ribbon cutting of the newly completed greenway, and will host speakers including the ATC’s new executive director, Mark Wenger, as well as local leaders...
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Gov. Haslam Awards $565,000 in Parks and Recreation Grants

Saturday, March 10, 2012

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau awarded $565,000 in Recreational Trails Program grants to recipients across Tennessee this week.The Recreational Trails Program is a federally-funded program established to distribute funding for motorized, non-motorized and diverse recreation trail projects. The funds are available to federal, state and local government...
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Backcountry Camping in Shenandoah National Park

Friday, March 9, 2012

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Shenandoah National Park describes all the ins and outs of backcountry camping in these two podcasts. There's some great information in these videos if you've ever considered backpacking in the park:For additional hiking information in Shenandoah, please click here.JeffHikingintheSmokys....
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Win a Trip to Glacier or Yellowstone!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

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Pick Your Park:Starting today, Bigkskycountry.com is offering you a chance to enter a random drawing to win a trip for two to either Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park - your choice! The winner of the drawing will choose between a 3-day guided tour of Yellowstone, or a 3-day guided backpacking trip in Glacier.And, in addition to the dream excursion into one of the premier parks in...
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New website for camping in National Forests

Thursday, March 8, 2012

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Old man winter may have made a late arrival in your neighborhood but summer and the family camping season is just around the corner. Camping is known to be a good way for families to reconnect, to help strengthen family bonds, and counter the stressful effects of busy lifestyles. Many national forest campgrounds were designed, developed, and are managed for families, making them outstanding and affordable...
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Smokies Backcountry Camping Fee Approved

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Well this will surely cause a stir - given the ferocious opposition to the original proposal:Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent Dale A. Ditmanson has announced today that the Park's proposal to begin collecting for the use of the Park's backcountry campsites and shelters has been approved by the National Park Service. This approval clears the way for the Park to move forward with developing an online...
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Smokies to Conduct Prescribed Burn Near Top of the World

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Fire Management personnel at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced plans to conduct a 280 acre prescribed burn along the park boundary near Lake in the Sky and the Top of the World community in Blount County. The Lynn Hollow controlled burn is planned for a two day period between March 12-31, 2012. The specific date is dependent upon prevailing weather conditions. It is anticipated that...
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What’s the protocol when passing another hiker?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Is it just me, or does it bug you when you pass someone on the trail and they don’t say hello, or even acknowledge your existence? I can understand not saying anything when you’re on a short, popular trail, with a ton people passing by every minute. But when you’re five miles deep in the backcountry, and there’s no one else around, I just think it’s impolite to ignore a fellow hiker.Although this...
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Dahlonega's Trail Fest 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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The second annual Spring on Springer Dahlonega Trail Fest will celebrate Dahlonega's designation as an AT Trail Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Dahlonega’s position as the southern gateway to the Appalachian Trail. It will be held on March 16-18 on the cusp of the first day of spring in Dahlonega, Georgia.The Trail Fest will include camping, speakers, films, music, shuttles to Springer...
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Shenandoah National Park Plans Prescribed Burns for 2012

Monday, March 5, 2012

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Shenandoah National Park Fire Managers are planning several prescribed burns in the park this year. Ignition of prescribed fire is dependent on favorable weather conditions, and due to weather uncertainty, it is not possible to predict the exact dates for each burn.Prescribed fires are ignited by fire managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, including weather, fuel moisture and resource...
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Annual Tellico River Clean Up

Monday, March 5, 2012

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Officals for the Cherokee National Forest have announced that the 2012 Tellico River Clean Up will occur this Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. Registration will be at the Tellico Ranger Station on Tellico River Road. The first 100 participants will receive a fee tee shirt. Participants should wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, and long sleeve shirt. Also bring your lunch and plenty of water.The...
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Plugging of Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in Big South Fork will temporarily close trails

Monday, March 5, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control (TDEC), will plug and reclaim fourteen abandoned oil and gas wells in the park this spring and summer. The project will be completed with federal funds through a cooperative agreement with TDEC. This project will improve safety conditions for visitors and...
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Tips for Sifting Through the Details to Find a Good Everyday Pocket Knife

Sunday, March 4, 2012

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The following is a guest post by COAST Products:Today’s consumers face a uniquely modern dilemma: too many choices. As evidence, consider that it’s not unusual for a supermarket to offer 50,000 items for sale. In comparison, a 1940s supermarket might have sold 3,000 items, according to The Business of Food. You can bet modern shoppers spend far more time with mouths agape, overwhelmed by the sheer...
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