From the U.S. Forest Service:
FRANKLIN, N.C., Feb. 27, 2014 – The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns over the next 3 – 6 weeks on a total of about 3,500 acres of the Nantahala Ranger District in the Nantahala National Forest.
The prescribed burn will take place in the following areas:
Slip Off area, 190 acres, Swain County
Rattlesnake Knob area, 248 acres, Macon County
Alarka Laurel area, 697 acres, Swain County
Dirty John area, 830 acres, Macon County
Steeltrap Knob area, 872 acres, Macon County
Pine Mtn. area, 704 acres, Macon County
The dates for each burn will be announced as they are decided and weather permitting.
The prescribed burns will reduce the amount of fuel on the forest floor, preventing catastrophic wildfire and reducing risks to nearby communities. Prescribed burning also helps improve forest health and wildlife habitat. Public safety is the highest priority during a prescribed burn.
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