Smoke rises in the pines Monday in a section of the Croatan National Forest after a prescribed burn of 561 acres in the area of Nine-Foot Road and Millis Swamp Road near Newport. The U.S. Forest Service also prescribed a burn of 499 acres off U.S. Highway 70, Hibbs Road and Shaver Road, near Newport. This controlled application of fire is to diminish fuel for wildfires and restore natural ecosystems. Note posted signs and watch for firefighters and personnel in the area. Helicopters assist during the burns, so drone use is prohibited. Photo: Dylan Ray
U.S. Forest Service
Forest Service OKs plan to improve 100 acres of Croatan
The final decision authorizes the Croatan Ranger District to begin at Fisher’s Landing, Flanners Beach, Pine Cliff, and Siddie Fields recreation sites projects that include the removal of riprap and work to control erosion, stabilize the bank, upgrade restrooms, make trails and walkways safer and add group sites.
Happy trails
Aquatic vegetation appears to form a pleased expression on the water’s surface as viewed from above the Patsy Pond Nature Trail in the Croatan National Forest near Newport. The trails that are accessed from N.C. Highway 24 include lengths from 0.75 to 1.9 miles and are open from dawn to dusk. The small ponds here are fed by groundwater and often surrounded by carnivorous plants such as bladderwort and sundew. Photo: Dylan Ray
Forest Service proposes new fees for two Croatan sites
U.S. Forest Service is accepting comment until Aug. 22 on proposed fees for Cedar Point day-use area and Flanners Beach day-use area.
Forest Service Targets Nonnative Plants
The National Forest Service is calling for public comment on a proposed plan to control terrestrial and aquatic nonnative invasive plant species on its lands in North Carolina.
Forest Service Plans Croatan Prescribed Fires
The U.S. Forest Service says it plans to conduct prescribed burns Monday in two areas of the Croatan National Forest.
Coastal Sketch: Gene and Sue Huntsman
The longtime members of the Carteret Wildlife Club and the driving force behind two major hiking trails will receive the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.
