Prescribed burns planned on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health

Murphy, NC - The U.S. Forest Service is planning five prescribed burns on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts in Clay, Cherokee, and Graham counties in the coming month 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 for this spring on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts:

County - Location - Size (acres)
Cherokee -  Hanging Dog Campground and Boat Ramp - 1,000
Clay - Fires Creek - 8,100
Clay - Buck Creek - 350
Graham - Meeting House Area - 2,100
Graham - Shell Stand/Cook Branch Area - 1,100
Graham - Cheoah Ranger District Office - 20

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. 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.
 
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. 
For prescribed burn updates follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfsnc or Twitter at  twitter.com/NFsNCarolina. 

Updates will be posted on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices. 

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