Prescribed Fires to Begin in Big South Fork NRRA This Month

NPS

News Release Date: March 14, 2013

Contact: Randy Scoggins, 423-569-2404 ext. 263

During the next few days, National Park Service fire crews will be conducting a series of prescribed fires within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The prescribed fires, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will all be located within the boundaries of the park. Fires will occur at locations in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

The Mitchell fields project is located off the Duncan Hollow Road behind the Bandy Creek Campground in Tennessee and the Monroe fields and Newtie King projects are located near the Bear Creek Horse Camp in Kentucky.

These prescribed fires will serve to help promote species diversity for the park flora and fauna. After the burns take place, these areas will have enhanced wildlife habitat and should be an excellent location for spring turkey hunting.

Only when the weather and conditions meet the defined prescription will the fires will be ignited.

Any park neighbor who may be impacted will be contacted prior to ignition.

During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety. Please contact the park's Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone] for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.