The US Forest Service is planning 10 prescribed burns on the Nantahala Ranger District in Macon and Jackson counties in the coming months to reduce the risk of wildfires. The low- to medium-intensity burns also create healthier, more diverse, and more resilient forests that can better support wildlife.
Below are the controlled burn locations planned this spring on the Nantahala Ranger District:
• Rainbow Springs Road (Macon County) – 695 acre
• Coweeta Hydrological Station (Macon County) – 276 acres
• Bull Pen Road (Macon County) ¬– 722 acres
• Wayah Road (Macon County) – 1751 acres
• Upper Burningtown (Macon County) – 894 acres
• Siler Bald (Macon County) – 3,000 acres
• Little Canada Awl Knob (Jackson County) – 243 acres
• Sugar Creek Ridge (Jackson County) – 255 acres
• Rich Mountain (Jackson County) – 1,201 acres
• Wayehutta OHV (Jackson County) – 255 acres
The dates for the burns and the actual number of units burned will depend upon weather conditions. 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.
All prescribed burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants and historic sites are not harmed. Regular burns promote the growth of plants that provide food for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and wild turkey.