Prescribed Fire Planned For the Monongahela National Forest In Pocahontas County
Green Bank, WV – In the next weeks, specialists from the USDA Monongahela National Forest plan to conduct a three prescribed burns, two in Randolph County, and one in Pocahontas, southeast of Green Bank.
The Chestnut Ridge burn in Pocahontas is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Green Bank, near Wesley Chapel along Forest Road 757. The purpose of this burn is to restore the oak/hickory savannah wildlife habitat. According to Peter Fischer, Fire Management Officer for the Monongahela National Forest, the actual timing of the burn will depend on temperature, wind, and humidity on a given day. He says the burn will be ignited when fuel and weather conditions permit the fire specialists to conduct the burn in an effective and safe manner.
Travelers should be alert to the likelihood of heavy smoke emanating from the burn. Forest Road 757 near Wesley Chapel may be closed on the day of the Chestnut Ridge burn for public and firefighter safety.
For questions or more information, please contact Greenbrier District Ranger William Dunk or Shane Jones, District Wildlife Biologist at 304-456-3335.