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Prescribed burn scheduled for February 25, northwest of Blairsville

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The US Forest Service is planning a prescribed burn on Thursday, February 25th, 2021. The 127 acre Chapman Ford prescribed burn unit is along the east side of Lake Nottely, in Union County, approximately six miles northwest of Blairsville, along Chapman Ford Road and Gray Road. The burn is expected to start at 11 a.m. till approximately 3 p.m. Based on the weather forecast, smoke may be visible anywhere around Lake Nottely, from Murphy Highway 129, and could potentially be smelt in and around the Blairsville area. Motorists are advised to use safe speeds and caution on any roadways if smoke is present.

2021 planned burn map from USDA. Tan areas are to be burned.

Approximately 35,000 acres across the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests may be treated with prescribed fire from early February through mid-April. The Forest Service goal is to safely apply low-intensity controlled burns to reduce the duff layer common in thick overgrown unmanaged forest areas that choke out sunlight from native grasses, wildflowers, and desired tree seedlings. This goal on the national forest is also a land management priority identified by State of Georgia agencies.

To learn more about prescribed fire and activities on public lands, visit GaTrees.org, GeorgiaWildlife.com, GaStateParks.org, GaRxFire.com, GoodFires.org, or @ChattOconeeNF.

Lauren Souther