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Pisgah National Forest
Showing posts with label Pisgah National Forest. Show all posts
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Black Mountain Trail in Pisgah National Forest to Close

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

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The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a major trail renovation of the lower section of Trail #127 Black Mountain Trail from the intersection with Trail #603 Thrift Cove Loop in the Pisgah National Forest. This section of the Black Mountain Trail will be closed for at least two weeks, from May 28th to June 10, 2014.

This project, in partnership with Pisgah Area SORBA, will help protect water quality, address erosion issues and overall sustainability of the trail. Public safety during this work is the number one concern. The public should avoid this area and heed all posted trail closed signs. For more information please contact the Pisgah Ranger District at 828-877-3350.



Jeff
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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Ecosystem Improvement Project to Begin in Pisgah Ranger District; Some Trails Closed

Monday, February 3, 2014

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The U.S. Forest Service will soon begin the first phase of an ecosystem improvement project in the Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, that includes 64 acres of timber harvesting. The effort, called the Brushy Ridge Project, will provide a number of environmental benefits such as controlling non-native species, improving fish habitat and promoting wildlife habitat.

To help ensure public safety during timber harvesting activities the Forest Service will close trails and roads in the Trace Ridge Area of Henderson County in the Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, beginning in early February 2014 and continuing through May 2014. The following trails and roads will be closed during this time:

* Hendersonville Reservoir Road (FS 142)
* Fletcher Creek Road (FS 5097), to intersection with Spencer Gap Trail (Trail 600)
* Wash Creek (Trail 606)
* Trace Ridge (Trail 354)
* North Mills River (Trail 353)
* Yellow Gap Trail (Trail 611)

Trace Ridge Trailhead will not be accessible and the use of the trails and roads is prohibited. Please use caution while traveling in the area, particularly Wash Creek Road as logging truck will be on the area roads.

The Forest Service designed the Brushy Ridge project to fulfill management objectives in the current Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest management plan. This project allows the agency to implement a variety of management activities to improve ecological diversity, as well as promote forest health and sustainability.

The Forest Service’s management practices will:

* Regenerate favorable tree species such as oaks and hickories and maintain a variety of hardwood tree species
* Improve the growth and health of remaining trees through thinning treatments
* Improve habitat for aquatic species, including trout, by replacing culverts and bridges that are restricting flow and causing erosion issues
* Improve habitat for wildlife, including game species such as turkeys and non-game species
* Control non-native invasive species
* Plant hybrid American Chestnut trees as a first step toward restoring them to Southern Appalachian forests and plant blight resistant butternut seedlings
* Designate an additional 231 acres of old growth forest areas

The Forest Service will implement the second phase of this project, which involves an additional 63 acres, this spring or summer. Seniard Mountain Road (FS 5001) and Bear Branch Trail (Trail 328) will be closed during this phase. The agency will issue a news alert to announce the closures.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Forest Visitors Urged to Avoid Ice on Waterways

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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The U.S. Forest Service is discouraging visitors to the Pisgah National Forest from walking on ice formed along area lakes and rivers. The warning comes following reports of people walking on ice formed on Lake Powhatan outside of Asheville, N.C.

Walking on ice is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Visitors who walk on ice run the risk of falling through the ice and drowning or suffering hypothermia. For more information on hypothermia, click here.

Forest Service officials urge visitors to take additional safety measures to protect themselves, family members and pets when visiting the national forests in winter.



Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Project to Help Restore Courthouse Creek Area of Pisgah National Forest

Thursday, September 26, 2013

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The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina yesterday unveiled the final decision for the Courthouse Creek project in the Pisgah National Forest.

“The Forest Service designed the Courthouse Creek project to fulfill management objectives in the current Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest management plan,” said Derek Ibarguen, Pisgah District ranger. “During the 4-5-year project, the agency will implement a variety of management activities to improve ecological diversity, as well as promote forest health and sustainability.

The Forest Service’s management practices will help:

* Restore brook trout habitat by replacing culverts that restrict movement of aquatic life;

* Improve habitat for wildlife, including game species such as turkeys and non-game species, as well as a forest concern species, the golden winged warbler;

* Maintain a variety of hardwood tree species;

* Remove non-native invasive species;

* Protect water quality by addressing sedimentation and maintenance issues such as replacing bridges and culverts;

* Plant hybrid American Chestnut trees as a first step toward restoring them to Southern Appalachian forests; and

* Designate an additional 127 acres of old growth forest areas.

For more information, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Road Closures and Hazards on Grandfather Ranger District

Friday, May 31, 2013

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The U.S. Forest Service is warning drivers to exercise caution when driving on certain roads in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.

Recent heavy rains have damaged the following roads on the Grandfather Ranger District. These roads are open to the public; however, drivers should proceed slowly and with caution as the roads may have gullies or potholes. Drivers may encounter graders and other heavy equipment working on these roads and other roads on the district.

• FSR 464 Edgemont-Pinola
• FSR 58 Kawana
• FSR 982 Mortimer Piedmont
• FSR 496 New Gingercake
• FSR 192 Roseboro Gragg
• FSR 981 Roseboro Edgemont
• FSR 210 Roses Creek
• FSR 4071 Thunderhole
• FSR 45 Watauga Turnpike

The following Grandfather Ranger District roads received significant damage by recent heavy rains. Sections or entire lengths of these roads have been closed to the public. The Forest Service is working to repair these roads.

• FSR 470 Little Buck (upper section severely damaged)
• FSR 197 Raven Cliff (closed near end of road)
• FSR 464A Lost Cove (entire length closed)


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Volunteers Help Restore Max Patch in Pisgah National Forest

Monday, May 13, 2013

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The U.S. Forest Service today announced the recent completion of work to repair the scenic Max Patch area of the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest.

“Working with Forest Service personnel, dozens of volunteers donated close to 300 hours of service to help restore this popular site, and we’re grateful for their help,” said Acting District Ranger David McFee. “This partnership between the Forest Service and cooperating volunteers shows the combined commitment to protect, restore and improve the beauty of Max Patch.”

The Appalachian Ranger District collaborated with a number of volunteer organizations including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Carolina Mountain Club and Appalachian 4x4 Club to repair parts of Max Patch. Last winter, damage occurred to the Max Patch area when off-highway vehicles were driven in the area. The people responsible for the crime were found and cited.


The Forest Service and volunteers worked together to design a parking area that provides pedestrian access. The repair work also included the creation of a perimeter using native stones and plantings of Catawba rhododendron and mountain laurel. This project was made possible from funding by the Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Carolina Mountain Club. The Carolina Mountain Club and Appalachian 4x4 Club provided 50 volunteers who donated over 280 hours to restore the site with native plantings and soil stabilization. The work was completed over the course of three weeks.

Aspects of the project that could not be completed with volunteers were solicited through a contract administered by the Forest Service and awarded to a local contractor.

Max Patch sits next to the Tennessee state line in the Harmon Den area. At 4,629 feet this bald offers 360-degree vistas of Mount Mitchell to the east and Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest. An abundance of ferns and grasses blanket the bald, making it perfect for picnics. Fishing is offered at the pond past the main parking lot. Camping is prohibited at the bald. The Appalachian Trail crosses this area.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Stomach Virus Hits Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, N.C.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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Pisgah National Forest officials are advising hikers that they may want to avoid sections of the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, N.C., especially the stretch running north to the Tennessee border. A number of hikers have been sickened by a severe, 24-hour stomach virus that is being passed between hikers. Shelters to avoid include No Business Knob, Big Bald and Hogback Ridge.

A section of the Appalachian Trail runs through the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, to the north and south of Hot Springs.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Prescribed Burns in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in 2013

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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Forest Supervisor Kristin Bail with the National Forests in North Carolina today announced that the agency plans to restore between 8,000 and 10,000 acres of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in 2013 using prescribed burning.

“Fire has been part of Southern Appalachian forests for thousands of years, and we’ve learned that putting out every fire creates a buildup of forest debris, putting communities at risk and threatening forest health,” said Bail. “Using prescribed burns, we can mimic what would occur naturally and restore native trees and plants like table mountain pine and mountain golden heather, which are fire-tolerant.”

By using low- to medium-intensity prescribed burns, Forest Service employees plan to reduce overgrown vegetation and woody debris that could cause high-intensity wildfires that threaten lives, homes and public infrastructure. Catastrophic wildfires degrade forest health by scorching soils and killing many mature trees and other desirable plant species. Prescribed burning will result in healthier forests that are less congested, more biologically diverse and more resilient to threats from invasive plants and pests, such as southern pine beetle.

All prescribed burns are completed by trained wildand fire professionals in accordance with detailed plans, which include desired weather conditions and other strict safety parameters, as well as modeling to reduce the effects of smoke.

Scientists have found that fire has been a part of western North Carolina’s forests for at least 4,000 years and possibly up to 12,000 years. Lightning strikes ignited many fires, and Native Americans introduced prescribed burning to clear land and for regeneration purposes. European settlers continued the practice. These frequent, low-intensity fires shaped healthy forests in western North Carolina.

The USFS did not provide any information with regards to exact locations or timing concerning the burns.

For more information on prescribed burning in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Forest Service Kicks Off Revision of Nantahala-Pisgah Management Plan

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Kristin Bail, forest supervisor of the USDA Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina, has announced that the agency is beginning the formal process of revising the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan (the Plan). The Plan will guide management of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests for approximately 15 years.

“I am pleased to announce that the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan will be among the first forest plans across the country to be revised under the new Planning Rule, unveiled earlier this year,” said Bail. “Today, we start the multi-year process of using the best available science and input from a wide variety of stakeholders to formulate a Plan that will guide management of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests into the future.”

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are two of four national forests in North Carolina that are managed by the Forest Service. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are found in western North Carolina and encompass more than 1 million acres. Together, they are among the most visited national forests in the nation.

The Plan revision process will occur over a three-to-four year period. It begins with the Assessment Phase, which will take about a year to complete. During this phase, the Forest Service will collect and compile data and other information on the current state of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The Planning Phase, which follows the Assessment Phase, will take two to three years to complete. After the Plan is completed, the Monitoring Phase will begin and continue until the next Plan revision.

In the coming months, the Forest Service will provide details on meetings and other information that foster public participation in the Plan revision process. Information about the Plan revision process is available online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision. To receive email updates on the Plan revision, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc and click on “To receive News and Alerts by Email, ” then select Nantahala or Pisgah National Forest.

Originally published in 1987, the Plan received a significant amendment in 1994. Each national forest and grassland is governed by a management plan in accordance with the National Forest Management Act. These plans set management, protection and use goals and guidelines.

The 2012 Planning Rule guides the planning process. The rule includes stronger protections for forests, water and wildlife, while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities. It requires the use of the best available scientific information to inform decisions. The 2012 rule strengthens the role of public involvement and dialogue throughout the planning process.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Forest Service Cracks Down on Ginseng Poaching

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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Kristin Bail, forest supervisor of the U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina, announced yesterday that agency law enforcement officers are cracking down on the poaching of ginseng in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.

“Forest Service law enforcement officers conducted a large number of compliance checks in September, and at least eight people received misdemeanor citations because they did not have a permit to harvest ginseng in the national forests,” said Bail. “Law enforcement officers will continue to focus their attention on people who collect ginseng outside of the legal harvest season in the future.”

Conservationists, botanists and others are concerned about the decline of ginseng populations, and poaching may eventually cause harvests to be restricted.

Visitors to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests must obtain a permit to collect ginseng during the designated harvest season, which runs September 1-30. Ginseng permits cost $40 per wet pound. An individual may purchase up to 3 wet pounds annually. Harvest is prohibited in Wilderness and Natural Areas.

Removing any plant or its parts from national forest land without a permit or outside of the legal harvest season is considered theft. Every national forest plant is public property, which means plant thieves are robbing taxpayers of a resource that is collectively owned. Penalties for plant poaching may include a fine up to $5,000 or six-month sentence in federal prison, or both.

Ginseng root has been favored as a tonic with exports to East Asia for the past two-and-a-half centuries. In North Carolina, the plant primarily occurs in the mountains and is sparse in the piedmont.

The Forest Service continues to monitor the harvest in the national forests in North Carolina to ensure the future viability of the plant.

For more information on harvesting ginseng in the national forests in North Carolina, click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that it is closing the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas to overnight camping due to ongoing bear encounters with humans.

The areas will be closed to dispersed camping until further notice. The agency will monitor conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen the areas.

On Monday night, a bear damaged a tent and food bag. Two people were in the tent at the time of the encounter, but no injuries were sustained. The encounter is the latest in a series of bear encounters in recent weeks.

Questions regarding the camping closure can be directed to the Pisgah Ranger District, 828-877-3265.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Practice Bear Safety While Visiting Pisgah National Forest

Friday, October 12, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to the national forests in North Carolina to practice black bear safety while visiting the forest.

The warning comes on the heels of six bear encounters on the Pisgah Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest over the past two weeks. The incidents occurred in the Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam, and Shining Rock Wilderness areas just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. In these cases the bears took food from camp sites. While no injuries were reported, visitor’s tents and packs were damaged.

While black bear attacks on people are rare, such attacks have sometimes resulted in human fatalities.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to prevent bear interactions by practicing the following safety tips:

* Do not store food in tents.
* Properly store food by hanging it in a tree or in hard-sided secure container.
* Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills or other areas of your campsite.
* Do not leave food unattended.

For more tips, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, click on “Bear Safety Tips and PSAs.”


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Reminder: Permits Required to Harvest Ginseng in September

Thursday, August 16, 2012

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Yesterday the U.S. Forest Service reminded visitors to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests that permits are required to collect ginseng during the designated harvest season, which runs September 1-30.

The Nantahala Ranger District will begin selling permits on Aug. 27. The office address is 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734.

The following ranger districts will sell permits beginning Aug. 31:
* Appalachian Ranger District, 30 East Hwy., 19 Bypass, Burnsville, N.C. 28714
* Grandfather Ranger District, 109 Lawing Drive, Nebo, N.C. 28761
* Pisgah Ranger District, 1600 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, N.C. 28768
* Tusquitee Ranger District, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906
* Cheoah Ranger District, 1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, N.C. 28771

Permits are sold from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, the Pisgah Ranger District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during September. A valid photo ID is required to purchase a permit. Ginseng permits cost $40 per wet pound. An individual may purchase up to 3 wet pounds annually. Harvest is prohibited in Wilderness and Natural Areas.

Ginseng root has been favored as a tonic with exports to East Asia for the past two-and-a-half centuries. In North Carolina, the plant primarily occurs in the mountains and is sparse in the piedmont.

The Forest Service continues to monitor the harvest in the national forests in North Carolina to ensure the future viability of the plant. Conservationists, botanists and others are concerned over the decline of ginseng populations over the years. The species is considered to be vulnerable.

For more information on harvesting ginseng in the national forests in North Carolina, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Pisgah National Forest 1 of 3 USFS GO “Signature Sites”

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service is waiving recreation fees (as well all 397 national parks) and hosting outdoor events across the country to celebrate the 5th annual National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 9th.

GO Day is designed to attract new, diverse communities to outdoor activities and motivate kids to explore their national forests and other public lands. Dozens of events on national forests and grasslands will feature opportunities including camping, rock wall climbing, kayaking, biking and archery.

"National Get Outdoors Day provides an opportunity for kids of all ages to explore and enjoy their national forests and grasslands,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “This is an open invitation for some healthy fun. Once you’ve experienced the forest, we think you’ll keep coming back.”

Free local recreational and educational activities will be offered nationwide. Many events are designed to better engage urban and multicultural youth and attract first-time visitors to public lands.

In addition to the local events, the Forest Service is hosting three “signature sites” touted for their unique landscapes and planned activities:

Pisgah National Forest, Asheville, N.C. - Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest, this site enjoys breathtaking views of tens of thousands of forested acres. Hands-on activities led by local outdoor businesses and organizations will include fly fishing, canoeing, archery, orienteering and wildlife gardening at the Cradle of Forestry.

City Park, Denver, Colo. – This event will feature fun-filled outdoor activities, learning opportunities and family entertainment. Activities include rock wall climbing, kayaking, live music, Junior Ranger activities, dancing, outdoor arts, fishing and bicycling.

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Venture Outdoors/GO Day celebration has introduced thousands of people to rock climbing, fly fishing and water safety. The festival, held in Millcreek Township, features recreation clinics, guest speakers, giveaways, creative children's activities and great food all day long.

Visit the GO Day website to find a full listing of events – and check back regularly as new events are being added to the list.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Announce Open Dates

Saturday, April 14, 2012

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A number of recreation and camp sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will be openning over the next several weeks.

The following is a list of sites that open April 1.

Nantahala National Forest campgrounds:
* Cheoah Point
* Rattler Ford Group Camp
* Appletree Group Camp
* Standing Indian
* Hurricane Campground
* Van Hook Glade

Nantahala National Forest day use areas:
* Finger Lake
* Cliffside Lake
* Cherokee Lake
* Nantahala Gorge facilities
* Standing Indian
* Wayah Bald
* Cheoah Point Beach

Pisgah National Forest campgrounds:
* Curtis Creek
* Lake Powhatan
* Sunburst
* North Mills River

Pisgah National Forest day use areas:
* Lake Powhatan
* North Mills River
* Old Fort
* Table Rock

Off-highway Vehicle trails:
* Wayehutta (Nantahala National Forest)
* Brown Mountain (Pisgah National Forest)

Mid-April openings:
* Black Mountain campground
* Briar Bottom Group Camp
* Carolina Hemlocks campground and day use
* Mortimer campground
* Cradle of Forestry

For more information on these and all sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burn on Bearpen Mountain This Weekend

Friday, February 10, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service plans to implement a 1,200-acre prescribed burn in the Bearpen Mountain area of the Pisgah Ranger District this weekend.

The Forest Service will implement the prescribed burn to reduce woody debris in the forest, which will help prevent catastrophic wildfires.

The prescribed burn will take two to three days to complete and will be confined to Bearpen Mountain. The southern end of the burn will be Hwy 276 at the intersection of Avery Creek Road, extending to the intersection of Coontree Loop Trail and Hwy 276. The northern portion of the burn is Coontree Gap. The burn area will be contained by Avery Creek, Hwy 276, and Coontree Loop and Bennett Gap trails.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Grandfather Ranger District to receive $605,000 for forest restoration

Thursday, February 9, 2012

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Last week the U.S. Forest Service announced funding awards for ten new projects under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) program. The recipient of one of those awards was the Grandfather Ranger District in North Carolina. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, the Grandfather Ranger District is an area of 330,360 acres southeast of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Asheville and Blowing Rock.

Over the next 10 years, the award of $605,000 will be used primarily for the following projects:

* Restoration of the natural fire regime to fire adapted vegetation to benefit threatened and endangered species, restore native forests and woodlands, benefit early successional wildlife species, and reduce wildfire costs and severity.

Essentially, the goal is to increase the number of prescribed burns on 36,795 acres of pine and oak forests. The Forest Service typically burns about 2,000 acres a year, but with CFLR funding, will increase that to 6,507 acres per year.

* Control non-native invasive plants to benefit threatened and endangered species at Linville Gorge and restore riparian vegetation at Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River.

* Treat eastern and Carolina hemlock for hemlock wooly adelgid to maintain genetically and ecologically important hemlock forest in the face of a non-native pest.

For more information on the program, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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"Car Clouting" on the decline in the Smokies

Saturday, February 4, 2012

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Earlier this week Smoky Mountain News published an interesting article about three individuals that will be heading to prison for breaking into a slew of cars at trailheads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest over a several month period.

In the article, SMN mentions that the Smoky Mountains used to average about 100 car break-ins, also known as "car clouts", per year. That number dropped to 37 incidents in 2010, and only 14 last year.

They offer these tips before leaving your car at the trailhead:

• Remove valuables from vehicles.

• If you must leave valuables in vehicles, hide them out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk.

• Scan the trailhead to make sure no one suspicious is hanging about. If they are, consider moving to another trailhead.

• Do not leave a hiking itinerary on your dash. Leave it with friends, family or at a ranger station.

• Don’t back your car into a parking spot. This provides thieves cover to break into the trunk.

You can read the article by clicking here.


> Backpacks on Sale - Up to 30% off



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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· · · ·

Pisgah National Forest to Conduct Prescribed Burn on Bearpen Mountain

Sunday, January 29, 2012

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Earlier in the week the USDA Forest Service announced that it will conduct a 1,200-acre prescribed burn in the Bearpen Mountain area of the Pisgah Ranger District in February or March 2012.

The Forest Service will implement the prescribed burn to reduce woody debris in the forest, which will help prevent catastrophic wildfires. The prescribed burn will also improve wildlife habitat.

The prescribed burn will take two to three days to complete and will be confined to Bearpen Mountain. The southern end of the burn will be Hwy 276 at the intersection of Avery Creek Road, extending to the intersection of Coontree Loop Trail and Hwy 276. The northern portion of the burn is Coontree Gap. The burn area will be contained by Avery Creek, Hwy 276, and Coontree Loop and Bennett Gap trails.

The safety of the public and firefighters is the number one priority. The Forest Service will notify the public when the decision is made to conduct the burn. The agency will close area trails and roads the day before the prescribed burn. The public is asked to heed signs posted at trailheads and roads and to stay away from burn sites and closed roads and trails.

For further information, contact the Pisgah Ranger District at 828-877-3265.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burn near Dobson Knob on Friday

Thursday, January 5, 2012

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The USDA Forest Service plans to implement a prescribed burn near Dobson Knob in Burke County in the Pisgah National Forest this Friday, depending on the weather.

The Forest Service's Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest plans to burn approximately 1,250 acres on National Forest land. The boundary of the burn is Forest Service Road (FSR) 106 to the north and the rest of the burn will be bordered by the Black Fork and Yellow Fork Creek. There will be a small section of handline (built with handtools similar to a trail) that will connect FSR 106 to Yellow Fork Creek.The prescribed burn will reduce the amount of hazardous fuels in the forest, improve wildlife habitat, and maintain fire-dependent and fire-adapted species.

For additional information, contact Grandfather District Ranger John Crockett at 828-652-2144 ext. 103.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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