Spring Prescribed Fire Season Comes To A Close

Hot Springs, VA – Approximately 10,000 acres of prescribed fire was planned for the Warm Springs and James River Ranger Districts for the 2012 season, which typically occurs in March and April. Of the seven areas scheduled, four prescribed burns were completed for approximately 4,000 acres. A lack of days meeting weather requirements for prescribed burning resulted in less accomplishment. A number of smaller prescribed burns are being planned for the fall of 2012

The Warm Springs Ranger District has issued a scoping notice seeking public comment on a proposal to reroute a quarter mile of access road to the Laurel Fork. The affected portion of Forest Service Road 457 is steep, potentially unsafe, and contributes to soil erosion. The rerouted road will reduce the steep portions and make the road easier to maintain. The public comment period closed in February. An environmental analysis and decision notice are scheduled to be completed by June 2012. The project would be implemented in July 2012.

The George Washington Forest Plan is scheduled for release in July of 2012. The comment period for the Draft Forest Plan closed on October 17, 2011. A draft revision of the plan was released in May 2011. Visit our website for more information on forest planning.

Timber sale contracts are active on Back Creek Mountain in Bath County and on the So Big project area in Alleghany County. Timber projects to be sold in 2012 include Mares Run in Bath County and Tri County in Alleghany County. Timber management areas being planned in 2013 include Little Mountain in Bath, Mad Anne in Alleghany, Duncan Knob in Bath, Lime Kiln in Bath and Brattons Run in Alleghany County.