Prescribed burning season is here in Nanthala National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service has decided to add Panthertown to a 2-4 year prescribed fire rotation in the district. After making the decision to burn Big Green in April 2014, the U.S. Forest Service published this press release on October 29 concerning prescribed burning to be conducted this fall in Panthertown and Bonas Defeat.
We will share more information as we have it.
FRANKLIN, N.C., Oct. 29, 2014 – The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns in the Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, this fall. Weather will dictate the dates of the prescribed burns. All four sites are located in southern Jackson County.
The Moses Creek area burn units are:
Coward Bald (684 acres)
Moses Creek (158 acres)The Panthertown area burn unit is:
Big Green (497 acres)
The Bonas Defeat area burn unit is:
Awl Knob (240 acres)
The Forest Service will conduct these understory burns to reduce hazardous fuel and restore conditions in the forest. Prescribed burning also promotes forest health and wildlife habitat. Public safety is the highest priority during a prescribed burn. The dates for each burn will be announced as they are decided and weather permitting.
For more information contact, Fire Management Officer Greg Brooks at the Nantahala Ranger District office at 828-524-6441.
Click here to learn more about restoring fire to the mountains.
Does anyone know when the last day the trail will be open. I am planing on hiking the trail around the 24-26th of October and staying a night. Just wanted to know the last day the entire trail will be open in October.