USDA

ASHEVILLE, NC (September 13, 2018) -- The U.S. Forest Service, Forest Supervisor, having closely tracked the forecast models of Hurricane Florence, has decided to temporarily close National Forest roads, today, Thursday September 13th at…

ASHEVILLE, NC (September 12, 2018) -- The U.S. Forest Service, Forest Supervisor, having closely tracked the forecast models of Hurricane Florence, has decided to close down all campgrounds and recreation sites, day use or overnight, in the…

ASHEVILLE, NC (August 13, 2018) -- Visitors to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests have experienced an increasing number of encounters with black bears exhibiting bold behavior over food in the past few years. Most encounters are at…

NEBO, NC (08-03-2018) -- Mortimer Campground on the Pisgah National Forest's Grandfather Ranger District is temporarily closed due to flooding.  The campground is expected to remain closed through the weekend.  Due to significant…

PISGAH FOREST, NC (July 18, 2018) -- The Cradle of Forestry invites kids of all ages to Smokey Bear's Birthday Party on Saturday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Smokey Bear turns 74 this year. The fire prevention bear will help cut…

NEBO, NC (June 8, 2018)...The Mortimer Campground in the Wilson Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest's Grandfather Ranger District will reopen at noon today, June 8. The campground has been closed for two weeks to repair road damage…

ASHEVILLE, NC (June 4, 2018)…Windy conditions combined with weeks of prolonged heavy rainfall has increased hazards on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. Heavy rainfall has damaged roads and assessments are ongoing. Trees on…

NEBO, NC (May 23, 2018)…Mortimer Campground in the Wilson Creek area of Caldwell County on the Pisgah National Forest's Grandfather Ranger District is temporarily closed due to flood damage. The U.S. Forest Service is working to…

MARS Hill, NC (May 3, 2018)…The Deer Park Fire, near Hot Springs, has grown to 50 acres and is currently 30% contained. The 7.2-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail from Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs and the Van Cliff Loop Trail, TR #313…

MARS HILL, NC (May 2, 2018)...The Deer Park Fire, near Hot Springs, has grown to 44 acres and is currently 20% contained. A 7.2 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail from Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs and the Van Cliff Loop Trail, TR #313…

Mars Hill, NC (April 30, 2018)...A portion of the Appalachian Trail from Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs is temporarily closed due to the 7-acre Deer Park Fire burning southwest of Hot Springs. The fire is moving downslope toward Highway 209.…

NEBO, NC (December 20, 2017)...Rain overnight aided firefighters on the Coxes Creek no. 7 fire in McDowell County, which is now 100% contained. The fire increased to approximately 200 acres yesterday before the rain. The Coxes Creek no. 7…

NEBO, NC (November 27, 2017)...The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a 197-acre prescribed burn in the Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, tomorrow Tuesday November 28, 2017. Whether or not the burn is carried out…

MORGANTON, NC (November 8, 2017)…As a result of damages caused by the tornado on October 23, 2017 Burke and Caldwell County farmers and agricultural producers are eligible for assistance through USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).…