Date: March 4, 2009
Contact: Tom Barnes, 423.569.2404 ext 284
During the next 6 - 8 weeks, 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. Plans call for burns varying in size from 2485 to 3334 acres to occur at locations in both Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Gobblers Knob A&C Project is located east of Divide Road near the Tennessee/Kentucky state line. Approximately half the project is in Kentucky and half is in Tennessee. The Gobblers Knob B Project is located East of Divide Road and North of Terry Cemetery Road. This project is located entirely in Tennessee.
These prescribed fires will serve to reduce hazardous fuels near Pickett State Forest and the Daniel Boone National Forest and help to 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.
Ignitions are scheduled to occur in March and April. Only when the weather and conditions meet the defined prescription will the fires will be ignited. Ignitions will not occur every day.
In addition to meeting specific conditions, crews of 25 – 40 firefighters and several engines will be on hand for each burn. 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 parks visitor centers at either 423-286-7275 or 606-376-5073 or the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.
