I had a note from Howard the other day - he was planning to make an overnight trip into the George Washington National Forest this week, focused on a trek to Kennedy Peak. He mentioned that there must've been a controlled burn on Massanutten over the weekend - the Valley was full of smoke.
Fellow H-burg blogger Evan Dyson has a photo of it on his blog (along with some other excellent images!): http://wildlifeinphotography.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/full-day-park-extravaganza/
Apparently Chrisman Hollow Road and other routes were affected. Here is an excerpt from a PATC news release (link follows):
"Catback Mountain Controlled BurnEdinburg, VA. - The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are using prescribed fire to help protect and increase the health of our national Forests. The Lee Ranger District is planning a 2800 acre controlled burn in the Massanutten’s Catback Mountain area of Shenandoah and Page Counties along Crisman Hollow Road also known as Forest Development Road (FDR) 274. This will be the second time the area is treated with a controlled burn. This project will take place within the next few weeks as weather and other conditions allow. Though for years Smokey Bear has broadcast the importance of preventing wildland fire, the fire managers of the USDA Forest Service know that prescribed fire, also called controlled fire, plays an integral role in the life and ultimate health of our forests. Prescribed fire can also help in the suppression efforts of uncontrolled wildland fires. "
More at: http://potomacappalachian.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=656&Itemid=2
When Howard's back, he may have some news and views to share. Looking forward to that.
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