Over the past week, the U.S. Forest Service has announced plans for numerous prescribed burns in North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. We share this information for two reasons:
1. Prescribed burns: what and why?
According to the Forest Service, “Prescribed burning is an important and versatile forest management tool that can mimic natural fire disturbances and reduce underbrush and flammable vegetation, which is key to limiting wildfire risk.” Before we started building vacation homes and resorts in the mountains, fire was allowed to run its natural course and do its thing. Now, for instance, when lightening strikes and ignites a fire, the reaction is to snuff it out immediately, lest it damage nearby developments. The most obvious ramification of this practice is that downfall accumulates and provides a dangerous source of fuel for what can evolve into a quickly spreading inferno.
Also, states the Forest Service, “Habitat for a variety of wildlife species can be improved through carefully planned and executed prescribed burns. Regular burns promote the growth of plants that provide food for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and wild turkey.”
2. Prescribed burns impact on you
While the Forest Service has announced where the burns will be, they haven’t announced when they will occur. Here’s why:
“The dates for the burns and the actual number of units burned will depend upon weather conditions,” reports the Forest Service. “Burning days are changeable because the proper conditions are needed — wind and relative humidity are key factors in fire behavior, safety and smoke control. Prescribed burning will only occur when environmental conditions permit. During the burns, proper personnel and equipment will be on site and some roads and trails may be closed to ensure safety.”
Thus, we share the locations in the event you are planning an adventure to one of the targeted areas. Knowing that a controlled burn is possible, you can call ahead before your visit to see if a prescribed burn is planned. Even if the trails you’ll hike aren’t closed, smoke from a nearby burn could affect your visit.
Click the appropriate link below to find out where burns are planned by state.
GetHiking! Southeast Podcast
You can learn more about these controlled burns on this week’s GetHiking! Southeast Podcast, here. In addition this week, we talk about:
- Old Fort Trails Project. A partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, the G5 Trail Collective and People on the Move for Old Fort, “a Black-led community collaborative that engages residents in community-building efforts that result in a more inclusive and equitable town,” to build 42 miles of trail in the Old Fort/Kitsuma/Curtis Creek area.
- Virginia State Parks Adventure Race Series. This 15-race series returns this year — after being benched in 2020 — with all sorts of competitions.