U.S. Forest Service

#BurnAlerts - Today the Oconee Ranger District is applying prescribed fire to an area located 6 miles northwest of Eatonton, GA in Putnam County. Portions of the burn unit are bordered by GA Hwy 300 near the Mt. Gilead area. Depending on conditions this #GoodFire could consist of up to 1,040 acres. Objectives include hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement. Georgia Forestry Commission resources will also be assisting with the project. Contact the Oconee Ran...Continue reading

Each February, we have the honor of recognizing and celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Black Americans as part of #BlackHistoryMonth. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the remarkable achievements of African Americans and their contributions to our great nation and agency. Recently, Edward Hunter Jr. was selected to become the next Forest Supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia. Described as a natural collaborator, strategic thin...ker, and problem solver, we’re looking forward to his continued leadership of the forest. Our mission is grounded in connecting people to the land and to one another, including people from every community and all walks of life. And we remain committed to ensuring equity across the agency, removing barriers to access, and building a workforce more representative of America. From the Triple Nickle Smokejumpers to the current Associate Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, learn more about this shared history: http://ow.ly/YyJ850DLaQm Read about Hunter’s groundbreaking selection as the Forest Supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia: https://www.facebook.com/979311055442020/posts/3615858691787230/

#BurnAlerts - Today the Oconee Ranger District is applying prescribed fire to an area located 11 miles southwest of Monticello, GA in Jasper County. Portions of the burn unit are bordered by the Ocmulgee River and GA Hwy 83. Depending on conditions this #GoodFire could consist of up to 1,312 acres. Objectives include hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement. Contact the Oconee Ranger District at 706-485-7110. Info & Maps: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/fi...Continue reading

#BurnAlerts - Today the Oconee Ranger District is applying prescribed fire to an area located 10 miles northwest of Gray, GA. Depending on conditions this #GoodFire could consist of up to 715 acres in the Hillsboro area. Objectives include hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement. Contact the Oconee Ranger District at 706-485-7110. Info & Maps: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/fire Professional foresters and other land managers use prescribed fire to safely ...Continue reading

Find recreation opportunities on the @ChattOconeeNF at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap

Today we'll start highlighting a few of the major benefits of #prescribedfire. #DYK Native Americans used #goodfires to maintain healthy #forests for hunting, farming, making travel easier and range management? Learn more: www.goodfires.org

#DYK fire at regular intervals is important for southern ecosystems like pine savannahs to remain healthy? With 89% of the est. 24 mil acres of #forest in GA privately owned, state and private partnerships are critical to safeguard #goodfires. Learn more: www.goodfires.org

We have lots of fun facts and figures about #GoodFires for you this week! First up: #nature's doctor is in! #PrescribedFire or #RxFire is used to restore and maintain the health and viability of #fireadapted and #firedependent ecosystems. Learn more at www.goodfires.org.

Congratulations!

With more than half of all #wildfire starts in the US happening in #TheSouth, southern states also average more #prescribedfire than all other regions combined with a 6 million acre/year average. #Georgia averages 1.2 million acres. Learn more: www.goodfires.org. #GoodFires

Attention Georgia Educators: YOU have a role in fostering equity and inclusion on our National Forests! Join Georgia Mountains Children’s Forest Network on March 5 to ground in the history of public lands, learn mindfulness practices, and reflect on our individual role in fostering equity on public lands. Just announced: Now open to EVERYONE, this virtual workshop is free!... More info/REGISTER here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/det/conf/learning/parents-teacher/

News Release: Thomas Black Receives National Wildfire Prevention Award https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/news-events/ The U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is pleased to share the news that Thomas Black, a firefighter on the Chattooga River Ranger District, received a 2020 Bronze Smokey Bear Award the highest honor an individual can receive for outstanding wildfire prevention service. Black was on hand to receive the award from Regional Forester...Continue reading

Biochar, when added to soil, increases soil carbon and can restore the soil’s pH balance. Carbon-rich soil requires less fertilizer and produces healthier food. https://www.fs.usda.gov/feat/after-fire-wood-waste-put-work

Every day outdoors with children is a great day that will create lasting memories, and most places on your public lands are free! Use our Interactive Visitor Map to find locations near you: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap... Check out the Georgia Mountains Children's Forest Network for adventure ideas and outdoor lesson plans. Please visit the Recreation Condition Report to learn the status for developed recreation sites: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we know, and we will know only what we are taught. ~ Baba Diom, Senegal

The U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is pleased to share the news that National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a grant to our partner The Nature Conservancy to help improve water quality in the Conasauga Watershed. In collaboration with the Conasauga Ranger District, two projects will reduce road sediment and replace culverts along Holly Creek within the Chattahoochee National Forest of Georgia. These projects will significantly improve w...Continue reading

The U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is pleased to share the news that NFWF has approved a grant to our partner The Nature Conservancy to help improve water quality in the Conasauga Watershed. In collaboration with the Conasauga Ranger District, two projects will reduce road sediment and replace culverts along Holly Creek within the Chattahoochee National Forest of Georgia. These projects will significantly improve water quality for the federally th...Continue reading

#BurnAlerts - The Oconee Ranger District will be conducting a prescribed fire operation north of the Jones Road area in Putnam County today. This will consist of three small units for a total of 20 acres. These site preparation burns are intended to remove woody debris in order to allow for tree seedling planting this winter. Smoke impacts should be limited due to the size of these burn units.

What is your favorite reason to love the @ChattOconeeNF? Share your Unforgettable Experiences and tag us: #ChattOconeeNF. Examples:... Catching your first fish. Chasing your first butterfly. Summiting your first peak. Sleeping under the stars. Spotting an elusive creature.

#ChattOconeeNFAlert - Panther Creek Hiking Trail Temporarily Closed - The Chattooga River Ranger District has issued a temporary trail closure for the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County, Georgia. Recent high-water events have caused significant damage to the Panther Creek Trail. Bridges are no longer in place requiring hikers to ford Panther Creek and tributaries. Sections of the trail tread washed away and sustainable passage to the falls is no longer possible at this t...ime. In addition, high winds and saturated soils led to a higher number of downed trees impacting hiker safety. We appreciate visitor's cooperation while staff work to make the trail safe and address resource damage in order to open Panther Creek Trail soon. The U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests understands the inconvenience of this temporary closure and appreciates the public respecting the resource by finding open sustainable trails to hike. For a map of alternative trails, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap. For more information, please contact the Chattooga River Ranger District at (706)754-6221. More information about Panther Creek Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10514 Learn outdoor safety tips at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/learning/safety-ethics

As a result of a culvert failure following record rainfall, the Chattooga District is temporarily closing Hale Ridge Road (FSR7) north from the Mt Zion Church and Cemetery to the parking area for 3 Forks Trail. This closure does not affect access to private lands, while also allowing public access to both Rabun Bald Trail and 3 Forks Trailheads. Visit the Interactive Visitor Map to review alternative access points to the Warwoman WMA. Interactive Visitor Map: https://www.fs....fed.us/ivm/index.html Road Closure map: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/road_status Learn more about Warwoman WMA from Wildlife Resources Division - Georgia DNR at: https://georgiawildlife.com/warwoman-wma

#BurnAlerts The Conasauga RD will be conducting a series of small prescribed burns for site preparation burning starting Wednesday Oct 21- Oct 22. There will be a total of 5 separate burns each around 30-35 acres. 2-3 burns will be conducted each day. These units are located in Walker County, on Taylors Ridge mile South of Hwy 136. Smoke may be seen or smelled in the area along Hwy 136, and 151 in Walker County. The site preparation burning is to clear woody debris to allo...w for planting of tree seedlings during the winter months. When conditions are just right, fire managers begin the prescribed fire treatments essential to improving wildlife habitat and maintaining a healthy forest. Every year, fire managers successfully treat around 35,000 acres on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests through prescribed fire. Learn more: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/RxFire Sign up or follow us on social media to receive #BurnAlerts notifications when a prescribed fire will occur in your area. The following methods are available to you, which are updated to provide official public notification of prescribed fire activities. Email: Sign up for #BurnAlerts at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/CONFemails Facebook: @ChattOconeeNF Twitter: @ChattOconeeNF Text messages: text ‘follow chattoconeenf’ to 40404 on your mobile phone to receive Tweets by Text Web Alerts: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/conf/alerts-notices Call your nearest office: Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110 Gainesville 770-297-3000 Be advised that smoke from prescribed fire may cross state boundaries. Find #BurnAlerts for the Cherokee National Forest, the National Forests in North Carolina, the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests, and the National Forests in Alabama on their websites. Walker County, GA Government Walker County Sheriff's Office Walker County Fire Rescue

Don't stop be-leaf-ing! Although the pandemic may have stopped your autumn travel plans, you can still check out a virtual gallery of fall colors at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors

The Forest Service is filling fire positions! Apply on USAJOBS.gov or visit go.usa.gov/xGTHc

News release: Hunter named forest supervisor for Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/news-events/ ATLANTA (October 16, 2020) -- Edward Hunter Jr. has been selected to become the next Forest Supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia.... The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests encompass nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties in North and Central Georgia with the supervisor’s office located in Gainesville, Georgia. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are swiftly becoming a primary destination for many. Balancing the needs of the land with those of the public we serve will be my guiding star, Hunter said. I look forward to working with our many stakeholders to ensure these lands are enjoyed by all for years to come. Hunter has served as the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests since April. Prior to that assignment, he served as the Staff Assistant to the Regional Forester for the Southern Region for more than three years. Hunter began his career with the Forest Service in 1998 on the Spanish Fork Ranger District, Spanish Fork, Utah under the Student Temporary Employment Program. His first permanent assignment was as a Forester Trainee on the Bankhead Ranger District in Double Springs, Ala., in 2004. Hunter has since served as a Sales Layout Forester, Supervisory Forester, Deputy District Ranger and District Ranger, all in the Southern Region. In addition to numerous roles in the Region, Hunter has also previously served as Acting Forest Supervisor for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in 2015 before working for the Pacific Southwest Region as Acting Deputy Regional Forester of Operations in 2018. Edward brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, said Ken Arney, Regional Forester for the Southern Region. He’s a natural collaborator, strategic thinker, and problem solver and we’re looking forward to his continued leadership of the forest. A native of Monroe, La., Hunter earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources from Tuskegee University and the University of Florida in 2001 and earned a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (Water Quality emphasis) from Tuskegee University in 2004. Hunter assumes the new role in Gainesville on October 25, 2020. # # #

After more than seven inches of rain in northeast Georgia, some early reports of road damage are coming in, while the threat of flash flooding continues. From US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC: Although the heaviest rainfall appears to have ended, additional bands of moderate to heavy rain will remain possible this afternoon and evening, especially in areas along and near the Blue Ridge escarpment. Additional flash flooding could develop in these areas th...rough the evening - see important tips below. Rabun County EMA/Search and Rescue reported that Earl's Ford road bridge had a minor washout last night. Several campers along the Chattooga River on the @ChattOconeeNF were cut off and stranded, despite the early warnings to expect heavy rainfall and flooding from #HurricaneDelta. Rabun County is making road repairs, while all campers are now safe and accounted for. During and after heavy rain, please avoid wet, muddy roads and trails to help minimize further damage and ruts. When roads must be closed because of damage, the public loses access to national forest public lands that belong to everyone. Do your part and Tread Lightly! Travel Responsibly Respect the Rights of Others Educate Yourself Avoid Sensitive Areas Do Your Part More tips here: https://www.treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/4x4ing/ Flash flooding tips: Stay alert for heavy rain, thunder and lightning at your location and upstream. Watch for rising water and listen for rushing water. - Climb to higher ground if water starts to rise. Leave low-lying areas immediately. - Don't try to outrun a flash flood in your car. Cars can be death traps. - Avoid areas already flooded. Do not attempt to cross a road covered with water, even a few inches. Remember: turn around; don’t drown.

Staff are making assessments this morning after 7 inches of rain in Rabun County last night. Expect hazardous road conditions, including flooding and washouts. Avoid areas already flooded. Do not attempt to cross a road covered with water, even a few inches. REMEMBER: turn around; don’t drown!

Crisp, clear days in the woodlands make this a popular time to hit the trails of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. But if you’re hiking, biking or riding the trails this season, please remember a few key things that will help keep you safe: Wear clothing with blaze orange for safe hiking during the fall hunting season in Georgia, as many trails cross through Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where organized hunts take place. It’s wise to avoid these areas altogether du...ring the designated hunts, or at least wait until after 10:00am to use the trails. Consider marking your companion animal, as well. A list of WMA locations with hunting dates can be found here: https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources The days are shorter, and darkness comes early in the forest and mountains. Plan your trail experience so that it ends before dark. Always carry a flashlight or headlamp. It’s getting cold out there! Carry extra warm clothing, as you may experience more extreme conditions at higher elevations, including snow and high winds. And it’s always important to carry plenty of water, to hit the trails with a buddy, and to let others know of your trip plans. Following this advice will help you have a fun and safe experience on the trail, so get out there and enjoy winter in the woods! Fall colors on the forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/home/?cid=STELPRD3854736 Learn more about hunting on the National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/conf/recreation/hunting

Be #weatherwise before you head outdoors this weekend. Remember, flash floods develop so rapidly that you may not get a warning. Any time a warning is issued, climb to safety immediately. Do not remain in a low-lying area. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/learning/safety-ethics Always consult the US National Weather Service Peachtree City Georgia forecast before visiting a national forest. Do not come when inclement weather is forecast. Visitors can sign up t...o receive imminent threat alerts from their cellular carrier, or install a weather alert app on a smart phone. Safety Checklist: - Know your area's flood risks. Monitor the NOAA weather radio all hazards bulletins, or your local news stations for vital weather information. - Stay alert for heavy rain, thunder and lightning at your location and upstream. Watch for rising water and listen for rushing water. - Climb to higher ground if water starts to rise. Leave low-lying areas immediately. - Don't try to outrun a flash flood in your car. Cars can be death traps. - Avoid areas already flooded. Do not attempt to cross a road covered with water, even a few inches. Remember: turn around; don’t drown. - Don't try to swim to safety in a flood. Wait for rescuers. - Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize and respond to danger. When rain is forecasted, do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers, or low-lying areas. - Consult the National Weather Service for weather updates. Carry a weather radio, a terrestrial radio or a mobile phone enabled with imminent threat alerts. - Your safety is your responsibility. Your cellular carrier may not have coverage in remote outdoor locations.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by working together residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from wildfire. Learn what actions you can take to reduce your risk of loss: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/fire Watch Mark Wiles, Georgia Forestry Commission Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, advise property owners about best practices for fire prevention in the event of a wildfire reaching the home, landscape and beyond: https://youtu.be/ifab45Pjg-U #wildfire #homefire #fireprevention #wildfireprep #readyforwildfire