New Strategic Plan To Ensure Bright Future for the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has announced a five-year Strategic Plan that will advance the health and long-term management of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The plan, which was the culmination of a two-year collaborative process between the ATC and the ATC’s board of directors, is a vision and strategy that will build on the organization’s stewardship of the Trail while also aligning with the priorities of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

The new Strategic Plan, which is the first to be created and put into action since the Appalachian Trail Conference became the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2005, identifies the following key goals: Proactive Protection, Engaged Partners, Effective Stewardship, Broader Relevancy, and Strengthened Capacity and Operational Excellence. Together, these goals not only reinforce the idea that the Trail can be enjoyed by a variety of users in multiple ways, but also that the A.T. should be readily accessible to all who wish to be a part of the experience.



In order to accomplish the goals set forth in the new Strategic Plan, the ATC will continue to be the leading voice with its partners in managing the A.T. The organization plans to address trail deficiencies, address potentially hazardous road and water crossings, minimize visitor impacts, and meet land management standards set by the Land Trust Alliance. As threats to the A.T. emerge, the ATC will proactively protect the natural and cultural resources within the Trail corridor and its adjacent landscapes.



The organization will also engage and sustain a network of partners that reinforces its goals for the Trail. The Conservancy will continue to collaborate with the National Park Service and all primary federal, state, municipal and private partners in the protection of the A.T. It will also support the 31 Trail maintaining clubs and communities surrounding the Trail, so that future programs and initiatives are supported.



“The Appalachian Trail, stretching from Maine to Georgia, puts a phenomenal National Park in the backyard of millions of Americans,” said Ron Tipton, executive director/CEO of the ATC. “We must be a part of preserving this wonderful hiking experience for future generations.”



Reaching younger and more diverse populations has been identified as a high priority for the Conservancy. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that within the next 50 years white Americans will comprise just 43 percent of the U.S. population, while Asian, Hispanic and African American populations will grow substantially, making up 45 percent of the 2060 population.



“This new diverse majority will be responsible for ensuring the continued protection and sustainability of our environment and the national treasure of our parks, forests and waterways, including the Appalachian Trail,” said Sandra Marra, chair of the ATC. “Therefore, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy believes it is critical to increase the long-term involvement of diverse youth in the work of our organization.”



The ATC will also develop strategies to build a financially strong foundation and organizational capacity to ensure long-term success. The goal is to raise annual operating revenue from $6.6 million to $8 million by 2019 and to increase the endowment from $3.6 million to $8.3 million. This will be accomplished by increasing funding from major donors, foundations and other private sources, as well as growing the membership base.



For more information about the ATC’s strategic plan, visit http://ift.tt/1wjXZPW .







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

"I Feel Your Pain," and Similarly Presumptuous, Phony Bullshit

Someone's scorched earth. Avert your eyes.

A week ago, a kid shot his friends, and then himself. I can tell you no more than that, even though I may 'know' more about the situation than you do. This one happened closer to where I live than usual, and when I spoke with family elsewhere, they mentioned it and expressed regret, but did not dwell on it and did not pretend to make sense of it.



On the other hand, another friend who had not been in touch for a while emailed a message fraught with 'concern' for how my own high school daughter dealt with it, seemed to fish for inside info, and mentioned how a mutual acquaintance sorta kinda knew (OK, recognized) the guy who has been arrested in a notorious murder in her part of the world.



How the hell would I know what happened with that kid, even if I knew him? Why would I speculate if I didn't know him? Why would having fewer degrees of separation from the anguish of several families and tribes make me an 'expert'?



Many people in our society play a sick sick game in the aftermath of murders and suicides. News media try to find out why, and adopt variously sensitive approaches to their prying into victims' and relatives' feelings, often as not posting interviews with people the killers and the killed would never have thought would speak for them. People with no real connection concoct one. The unaffected try on trauma to see how it befits them. 'Sensitive' people affect a variety of emotional effects, and in so doing display an appalling insensitivity to what is for someone (but not them) a tragedy.



It disgusts me and pisses me off, for reasons I won't tell you. You don't know how the killers and the killed felt, and if you are not an immediate relative or friend, or maybe a member of the same tribe, you never will. You should shut up and leave them alone until they ask you to say something.



Suicide is the ickiest paragraph of this sick commentary. Like whe Robin Williams killed himself, and every Tom, Dick, and Henry Rollins* needed to express their personal feelings about it. Aside from a handful of humans, nobody had the authority to speak to this, yet we were all besieged by co-workers, family members, reporters, media-friendly psychiatrists, and publicity hungry celebrities telling us why, or angstily telling us they didn't recognize the signs, or some other brand of bullshit. He might not even have seen it coming until it was too late. The people ostensibly bemoaning his loss did nothing productive, saved nobody, and displayed their own self-centeredness by treating tragedy as opportunity.



Mourn the dead if you knew them. Feel sad even if you didn't. But stop acting like death(s) you heard of on TV or the internet or the radio are personal to you. They are not, and it is an insult to the dead and their loved ones to make it personal to you. If some killing moves you to become an activist against guns or whatever, OK, but don't appropriate the souls of the dead to your cause. "He would have wanted..." is one of the all-time most presumptuous, bullshit-infused opening clauses in the English language. If you are just using someone else's tragedy to act sensitive, or publicly wring your hands, then you are full of crap.



Some people go beyond the show of mournfulness and try to figure out why. They won't know, and should cut it out. Killers and self-killers don't necessarily know why, so who is some outsider to waltz in and speculate?



*Former punk rocker and current media whore, who published an essay about how he no longer respected Williams, and was rightly excoriated for saying so.

Suspect Named in Vandalism Case at Eight Western National Parks

A 21-year-old New York State woman, Casey Nocket, has been identified as the primary suspect in recent vandalism cases that affect eight national parks in the western United States.

National Park Service investigators have confirmed that images were painted on rocks and boulders in Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park, all in California; Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado National Monument, both in Colorado; Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon; Zion National Park and Canyonlands National Park, both in Utah.



Investigators continue to collect evidence of the crimes, conduct interviews, and are consulting with the U.S. Attorney's Office about potential charges. We ask the public to exercise patience and allow due process to take its course as the investigation moves forward.



The image in Rocky Mountain National Park was reported to the park and removed in late September before similar images were found in the other national parks.



Ice and snow now cover the image at Crater Lake National Park, and it may not be accessible for assessment and clean up until next summer.



An image in Yosemite National Park was removed by an unknown person or persons.



If people visiting these parks come upon these images, they should contact the nearest park ranger with information about the image location. Visitors should not attempt to remove the images.



The National Park Service was contacted on October 20 about this vandalism case. The investigation began immediately.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Full Road Closure at Milepost 242 for Final Phase of Ice Rock Reconstruction

Blue Ridge Parkway officials announce the final phase of roadwork in a one-mile section of Parkway, commonly known as Ice Rock near Alligator Back Parking Area. Both lanes of the motor road will be closed to all visitors from Milepost 241 to Milepost 243.5 beginning November 3, 2014 through mid-April 2015.

The final phase of the Historic Stone Guardwall Reconstruction Project began this spring utilizing a one-lane closure through the area. Prior to the full traffic closure, 24 hour, single-lane traffic closure through the project work zone will continue. The project goal is the restoration of the structural integrity and historic appearance of this important cultural resource.



With the exception of foot traffic on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the motor road will be closed to all visitors.Detour traffic signage will direct Parkway visitors around the closure area via US Highways 18 and 21. Access to Doughton Park following the regular seasonal operating schedule will remain open from the North via the Parkway.



The Blue Ridge Parkway is recognized internationally as an example of landscape design achievement. It was designed and built to provide a leisurely, recreational driving experience and to showcase the scenic resources of the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. The affected section of Parkway during this project is a showcase for the historic rock guard walls that line the motor road. Constructed during the period of the late 1930s, these rock walls are now an important historic Parkway resource. They were built in the rustic style used throughout other American national parks. These walls have become one of the significant features that define the visual and historic character of the Blue Ridge Parkway.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

Getting Around in the Smokys

The following is by a guest author:



When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the first things to hit you, apart from the incredible beauty, is how immense it is. Over 800 square miles, it’s home to over 17,000 species of flora and fauna. So what are the best ways to experience what the park has to offer?



Hiking



With over 800 miles of trails, hiking is an excellent way to enjoy the forest and its wildlife. Deciding which trail is dependent on what you’d like to see: waterfalls, open views, deserted homes, ancient forest, etc. For those who wish to start gently, the Laurel Falls trail should only take about an hour, although it can get busy on the weekends. Apart from the falls, there are nice views of the hills and rock formations. If you’d like a more substantial hike, the Sugarland Mountain Trail will take a full day but the vast array of wildlife (including black bears) makes it a worthwhile trek. You may wish to check out these hiking safety tips .



Cycling



While cycling does restrict where you can go in the park, the permitted paved routes offer an excellent way to experience the views and wildlife. The Cades Coop Loop Road is a relatively easy ride, and is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May to September. The eleven mile, one-way lane skirts the bottoms of the forested mountains and is great for viewing wildlife and 19th century homesteads. If you’re training for the Tour de France , however, you may prefer to tackle the Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap route, which has an average grade of 5.2% over the thirteen miles. There are tunnels on this road, so make sure you’ve got a flashing strobe fitted to alert motorists of your presence. Helmets are an absolute must.



Horseback Riding



Unlike cycling, about 550 miles of the park’s hiking trails allow horses. The park has four concession riding stables, which offer guided rides (walking pace) varying in length from 45 minutes to several hours. You can climb mountain trails, cross rivers and view waterfalls, while enjoying the tranquillity of your surroundings and hopefully catching a glimpse of wildlife such as wild turkey, woodchucks, white-tailed deer and if you’re lucky, a bear or two. You may also ride your own horse in the park and camp at designated sites.



The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the world and are home to an incredible array of plants and animals, set in a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty. However you traverse the park, you will be utterly captivated.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Full Road Closure at Milepost 422 for Tunnel Rehabilitation

Blue Ridge Parkway officials announce the closure of a small section of motor road between existing gates at Milepost 420.3 near US Forest Service Road 816 (Black Balsam Road) and Milepost 423.3 at NC Highway 215. Both lanes of the motor road in that section will be closed to all visitors beginning November 3, 2014 through May 2015.

During this closure, Devil's Courthouse Overlook at Milepost 422.4 will be accessible from the south by foot, bicycle or skis at NC Highway 215. The Art Loeb Trail crossing at Milepost 421.2 will be accessible from the north at Black Balsam Road. Visitors inside the closure are encouraged to use extreme caution and watch for construction related traffic also in the area.



Devil's Courthouse Tunnel was originally constructed in 1941. This project will make repairs to the aging drainage system and concrete lining inside the tunnel. The work requires that portions of the overhead concrete lining be removed, creating potentially hazardous conditions for visitors that require a full road closure. The tunnel will be sealed and inaccessible to any traffic during this project.



The Blue Ridge Parkway is recognized internationally as an example of landscape design achievement and Parkway tunnels are a significant design feature along the historic route. Twenty-five of the twenty-six tunnels along the Parkway are in North Carolina, with all Parkway tunnels representing 36% of the entire National Park Service tunnel inventory. Tunnels along the Parkway were often constructed to reduce excessive scarring that open cuts would entail, enabling the Parkway to cross through ridges in the interest of maintaining the most desirable route location. The distinctive stone masonry portals on most Parkway tunnels were generally not part of the original construction, added later in the 1950s and 1960s.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

Why Clean Fishing Gear Is Essential For River Health

The following is by a guest author:



If you’re a lazy angler, you may be the type of person who throws all their fishing gear into the garage or shed without cleaning it. Not only are you shortening the life of your equipment, you could be doing untold damage to river ecosystems, such as those in the Smokies.



Didymo



A single-celled species of algae called Didymo (Didymosphenia geminate) is extremely invasive and is smothering riverbeds, killing native plants and fish through limiting sunlight. Previously this wool-like algae was happiest in cold waters, but it’s starting to adapt to warmer temperatures and is moving further south. Unfortunately, it’s been found in one stream in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, namely Tennessee, where fishing is banned. It’s of paramount importance that it isn’t accidentally spread to other streams, through dirty waders, boots, fishing line and even life jackets. The following guidelines will help stop cross contamination and should also extend the life of your equipment.



Disinfect



Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to wash your gear in water and a bit of biodegradable soap. You’ll need to disinfect everything first in a hot bleach solution for at least ten minutes, and then rinse and dry thoroughly for a minimum of 48 hours after they’re touch dry.



Waders



Wash & disinfect as above, then pack with newspaper and allow to dry. Once dry, they can be rolled them up (folding encourages cracking) and stored in a sealed black garbage bag. Do not store them before the extra 48 hours is up.



Reels



Arguably, reels can be the most valuable piece of equipment but often the most neglected. They’ll need bleaching as well and can be left on the reel once dry, but over winter you may wish to transfer monofilament and fluorocarbon line onto something with a larger diameter, so you don’t get too much curling.



Tackle



Obviously the number one priority here is disinfecting your lures, spinners, flies, etc., but afterwards it’s important to keep them sealed in an airtight container, out of direct sunlight, as some of the rubber and plastic can perish.



Life Jacket



You’ll need to immerse the jacket in a large container of the bleach solution, then scrub any remaining dirt off and rinse thoroughly. It’s important to dry the jacket in a shady but well ventilated area, as heat and sunlight can warp the flotation material. If you pack it away before it’s bone dry inside and out, you’ll get mildew.



Spending a few minutes on proper gear maintenance should not only keep it in good condition, it will stop you infecting other waters with unwelcome organisms like Didymo.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Today's Weather . . .

. . . as interpreted by a fin de siècle artist. We have entered the decadence of autumn as the golden leaves turn brown.

Smokies Offers Reward for Information on Cataloochee Artifact Theft

Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark officials are offering a reward for information regarding the recent theft of artifacts from the Palmer House in Cataloochee, NC. The missing artifacts, including a trowel, mill pick, and a coffee mill, were taken from locked display cases in the Palmer House where historical information and exhibits are provided for park visitors.

"While these items have some market value as mere antiques, their associative value with individual families and with the community of Cataloochee is immeasurable," said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. "These values make them truly irreplaceable."



Park officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the theft. The unique, wall mounted coffee mill was donated to the park in 1935 by a Cataloochee resident. The trowel and mill pick, which was used to cut and sharpen millstone grooves, were also part of the park's permanent archival collection.



It is unlawful to disturb or deface historic resources within the park. Perpetrators may be sentenced up to 6 months in jail and or fined up to $5,000. Anyone with information as to the possible identity of the individuals responsible for the theft is encouraged to call the tip hotline at 865-436-1580.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

Vandalism Reported in 10 National Parks

The National Park Service is currently investigating reports of vandalism in at least 10 national parks in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah.



While the NPS can’t discuss details of a case under investigation, officials emphasize that they take the issue of vandalism seriously. National parks exist to preserve and protect our nation’s natural, cultural and historic heritage for both current and future generations. Vandalism is not only a violation of the law but it also damages and sometimes destroys often irreplaceable treasures that belong to all Americans.



The NPS also emphasizes that there are forums for artistic expression in national parks because national parks inspire artistic creativity. These images are outside that forum and outside the law.



Parks affected (awaiting confirmation) include: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; Yosemite National Park, California; Death Valley National Park, California; Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California; Joshua Tree National Park, California; Rocky Mountain National Park , Colorado; Crater Lake National Park, Oregon; Bryce National Park, Utah; Zion National Park, Utah; and Canyonlands National Park, Utah.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

'Kick Your Boots Off' with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy During Trail Celebration

Celebrate the iconic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) on Thursday, Nov. 6 and show your support for the hikers and the thousands of volunteers that the organization serves regionally in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The fundraising event “Kick Your Boots Off,” hosted at the Isis Restaurant and Music Hall in Asheville, begins at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m.

“Kick Your Boots Off” will feature fun A.T.-themed activities, an adventure-based giveaway and live music from the bands Pleasure Chest as well as Blind Boy Chocolate and the Milk Sheiks. Attendees are encouraged to dress for comfort and style, as there will be prizes for the best dressed among the hiker chic.



“This fun event will offer a great chance for members of the outdoor community to connect with one another,” said Morgan Sommerville, the ATC’s regional director. “Come meet regional Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff and volunteers all while learning more about our efforts to protect the world’s most famous long-distance hiking trail!”



Event Overview:

“Kick Your Boots Off” fundraiser

Date: Thursday, Nov. 6

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m.

Location: Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC

Cost: $15 in advance



Tickets for the event are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $65 for VIP admission, and can be purchased here .







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

The Autumnal Reader Surge

In the foreground coffeeshop, someone is reading (probably about tattoos).

I don't know about the rest of the internet, but here at MT* readership goes up in the Fall. There must be many reasons why, but I always imagine it's because that's the time of year when people go back indoors.

Bricxellated image.

Part of MT's annual autumnal surge comes from people searching for information about heatilators, the passive airflow heaters installed with some masonry fireplaces. For a while, the heatilator posts were the biggest ones by far, as Recession-pinched households sought warmth and found that I was one of the only people in internet that produced heatilator content. I don't have a heatilator anymore, and cannot tell you for sure it's safe to put a TV above one. Besides, heatilator purveyors have pushed me aside on internet, dominating search results and burying me so far down that not even my ego can maintain interest.



The other Fall readers are people who hate leaf blowers, coming for my subtly titled "Kill the Leaf Blowers" post. Sounds gonzo, but beneath the bluster, it's a pretty sensible policy with benefits for public and environmental health, education, and even national security. The only downsides are for crappy motor factories and cut-throat landscaping contractors. I won't repeat that rant here. Root Simple already did, which led to a bump on my stats this October. More than blog hits, getting rid of leaf blowers would make me happy.







An infinitesimal mote of earth's human population reads this blog, but at this hour there are millions of people reading something, many of them settled down in Autumnal night with eyes on a page, flipping screens or leafs. More than people reading this, knowing that people still read makes me happy.



*I'm gonna stop calling the blog Mojourner Truth whenever I turn reflexive or meta. For one thing, there's a fine line...no, there's no one line between a riff and a ripoff, and there have to be a lot of people out there who'd be pissed off at some middle-age middle-class white guy even sidling up to the likes of Sojourner Truth, much less swapping out a letter for his own benefit. My apologies, but I'm not trying to make money or affiliate myself with Ms. Truth.


l aim for multi-dimensional titles, being such a fan of kaona, homophony, and so on, and her historic personage was one level of many. MT works because it could stand for many things, is too short to look like a government acronym,and will garner me a certain number of lost Montana googlers. I'm sure I'll think of more, retroactively imbuing the name with meanings. Plus, just say it. "M T,...MT,...Empty." Ha! Perfect. Self-deprecation is a good dimenzen for any title to have.


Hopefully, though, I won't have the meta reflex for another year or so. I wonder if I'll remember to call the blog MT?

Shenandoah National Park to Implement Night Closures of Skyline Drive During Hunting Season

Park Superintendent Jim Northup announced today that portions of the Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during hunting season. He noted that this is the thirty-fourth year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance in reducing illegal hunting activity within the park during the Commonwealth of Virginia hunting season outside the park.

Beginning Monday, November 10, 2014, and ending Sunday, January 4, 2015, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211) and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250) will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to the Skyland Resort until that facility closes on November 30. Beginning Monday, December 1, 2014, and ending Sunday, January 4, 2015, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.



Superintendent Northup said, "Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary."



Superintendent Northup also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the park." A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said Northup. Anyone with information about such activities should call the park (toll free 1-800-732-0911; or 540-999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

Bible Verses for Pheasant Hunters

You drive through the prairie states at this time of year, and there are lots of "Welcome Hunters" signs on motels and stores. Pheasant season is at its peak, especially south of Interstate 94, which seem to follow some kind of climate boundary—there are fewer pheasants north of it.



Where I am staying right now in Valentine, Nebraska, I can see people walking bird dogs under the motel's red neon lights. On the highway, pickup trucks with dog boxes, some pulling duck boats, flash past.



But it was a Days Inn in Pierre, South Dakota, that took the prize. Its sign read, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat. Acts 10:9."

Announcing Launch of New Hiking Website

Today we’re proud to announce the official launch of our brand new hiking website for Grand Teton National Park. The new site provides details on more than 40 hikes in the Grand Tetons, and is organized similarly to our HikingintheSmokys.com, HikinginGlacier.com and RockyMountainHikingTrails.com websites. The URL for our new site is:

TetonHikingTrails.com

In addition to being a great resource for trail information, we designed the site to be an excellent tool for vacation planning as well. We’ve included a lot of travel information that will be helpful while planning your vacation.



Even if you have no plans on traveling to the Grand Tetons, I hope that you might enjoy some of the photographs on the site. If you know of anyone planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park, or any hikers in general that may be interested, please feel free to forward the website onto them.

Thanks again for all of your support! We would also love to hear any feedback you might have.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

Temporary Parkway Closure at Milepost 95-106

Over a two week period in November, Blue Ridge Parkway maintenance personnel will be conducting large –scale trimming operations along the roadside from Milepost 95 to Milepost 106 (between Highways 43 at Bearwallow Gap and U.S. 460). During the periods of Wednesday to Friday, November 12-14, 2014, and Monday to Friday, November 17 - 21, 2014, both lanes of the Parkway in the work zone, during the work day, will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers) to ensure the safety of maintenance workers as well as Parkway visitors. No work will occur on weekends and the motor road will be open on Saturday and Sunday during this period.

Annually, Blue Ridge Parkway maintenance and resource management staff conduct maintenance activities that help control invasive vegetation growth along the Parkway, as well as insuring safe sight distances and a clear right-of-way areas for motorists. This work requires using a large tractor with a cutting head on a long arm, or boom, which must remain in the travel lanes during operation to properly trim the banks and road shoulders. The boom axe also allows access to clear areas behind guardrails and other roadside features.



Affected sections will close at approximately 7:45 a.m. each weekday and re-open daily about 5:00 p.m. EST from Wednesday to Friday, November 12-14, 2014, and from Monday to Friday, November 17 - 21, 2014. Those who normally commute on the Parkway on Monday through Friday will need to find alternate routes.







Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

The Communality Garden

It's that kind of garden.

In college, one of my first anthro classes had a focus on community gardens in DC. I was pretty weak on the fieldwork project, not good at walking up to strangers and asking them questions, but the idea of a community garden seemed pretty cool. In Honolulu, I joined a community garden, eventually sponsored by the city but initially a guerilla garden wrought by a nongenarian local Chinese woman who'd tended it through the years, walking up Punchbowl hill with a bag of scraps from her job at the UH cafeteria. The suburbs comprising the erstwhile GOP powerhouse Eric Cantor's district, where I next lived, were not fertile ground for anything smacking of community, food sovereignty, or any other potentially anti-corporate crap (so I gardened my own quarter acre). Moving to Olympia may have been my best chance to join a 'normal' community garden.



But instead, I chose one that defies the usual model of assigning each member a small rectangle within which to grow a tiny individual garden. Sprouted by Sustainable South Sound, the garden is a plot to grow food in the neighborhood where it will be consumed. And instead of a grid of little gardens, it's two big gardens, dozens of beds that everyone works on together. We all chip in to buy seed and supplies, spend Saturday mornings weeding and planting, and harvest the results, which are distributed equally. Whatever division of labor that exists is self-sorting, and although some may work a bit more than others, nobody lazily skates by.



Which is what makes me wonder, "Are we being communists?" I mean, "From each according to her abilities, to each according to her share" is how we operate; isn't that a mere paraphrase away from Marxism? I've only ever gotten one garden member to cop to anything left of Socialism, but I have to wonder.



Then, though, I also have to think, "So What?" We're not Stalinists, there's no distant committee committing us to 5-year plans, and the garden has no plans for a gulag. We're more like the autonomous collective (not really an anarcho-syndicalist commune, as some would have you believe) in Monty Python's Holy Grail. Everything we do has a mandate from the masses, there's even an Occupy-style blocking mechanism to assure consensus. Far from a Utopian pipe-dream--because I know that's what some of you suspect this amounts to--this system works.

Indoctrinating the unsuspecting youth with corn, oats, squash, and beans.

I'm not much of a joiner, and subjugating my opinions to group-will (especially when it comes to gardening) is not always easy. But the end result is worth it. Plenty of good food, cameradrie, and the sort of smug satisfaction that only bountiful locavore collectivism can justify. In Honolulu, I rose to the Presidency of the community garden, and I loved that land the way I do any place where I have time to plant roots. But it was a collection of fiefdoms, and not a communal effort. A 'president' was required to make peace between the cat-feeders and gardeners, Tongans who cooked a dog and the Chinese woman grossed out by the thought, a bi-polar woman with a point about the mission of community gardens and the man growing sesame and chiles for sale, the guy who brought in barrels of toxic adhesive for "irrigation, or something" and everyone who didn't want cancer,...that kind of stuff. "Community" gardens can sprout plots that grow weeds (or doomed-to-fail weed), cat-piss, and strife.

Many Leaves, One Head

So, I am happy to be a part of this communalist garden, or whatever it is called. As we plan for the coming year, uncertain that this piece of land will be available beyond that, it's good to know that this experiment worked for so many years. If this garden cannot remain, it's not because of the people. we'll pop up elsewhere if and when this land becomes something else. Or maybe not. Whatever happens, I am glad that this garden happened, and can walk away knowing that the soil is better than it was when I arrived. For me, that's just fine.

Blog Update #6

Over 100 000 page views for this blog, 3 years and over 130 blog posts. I honestly did not think that there would be so much interest in the geology of the Northern Rivers. This milestone was topped off by heaps of interest during a short presentation on the weekend at the Big Scrub Rainforest Day.



I was a little worried about my presentation since it directly followed Robyn Williams from the ABC Science Show. His whole professional life revolves around talking to an audience. I on the other hand am not used to public speaking. I wish my talk was more structured and I did not try and condense so much into it. But I think it was received surprisingly well all the same! The questions were excellent and I wish I had more time to answer them. There were still a lot of hands up when I had to hand over to A/Prof Isaac Santos from SCU for his talk.



Following the talk the 100 information sheets disappeared and many people were asking if there was more. So thanks everyone for your interest and sorry that I didn’t have more copies. The information sheets are the short articles I have recently done for a couple of the Big Scrub Rainforest Newsletter. The specific articles can be downloaded from the links below. The full newsletters can be obtained by contacting the Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group. http://ift.tt/1vSMaBt



January 2013 – Mt Warning and Reading the Rocks



September 2014 – The Importance of Basalt in the Big Scrub and One CSG Related Anomaly



Regular visitors to my blog may have noticed the slightly declining number of posts over the months. This is nothing to do with a lack of subject matter. I am finding the time a little hard to find at the moment. As such, I am happy to open up this blog to guest bloggers from time to time. If you have a story about Earth Science that has even the slightest New England/Northern Rivers/ North Coast bent, please feel free to contribute to this blog. I can be contacted on the email address listed on the page “about this blog”.

Hedychrum nobile, une Guêpe coucou

Hedychrum nobile, minuscule insecte d'environ 7 à 8 mm appartient à la famille des Chrysididae. Ces petits Hyménoptères aux reflets métalliques assez extraordinaires ne peuvent être confondus avec d'autres insectes. Le nom de Guêpe coucou leur vient de leur habitude à pondre dans le nid d'autres hyménoptères comme les abeilles ou les guêpes. Hedychrum nobile Guêpe coucou

Camper Attacked by Dogs Needs Help

Today I received an email from a reader asking for help with regards to her being attacked by a group of hunting dogs while camping in the Snowbird Wilderness area earlier this week. Her fear is that these dogs may still be loose in the area, and could pose a danger to families and pets who may be recreating in the greater Smoky Mountains area. Here's her story:

On Monday, October 13, 2014 Kadie Anderson was camping with her two dogs in the Snowbird Wilderness area in Graham County North Carolina. She was breaking her camp and preparing to head home when a group of six hunting hounds ran into the camp site and began to attack her and her two dogs. Kadie was taken by surprise and was unable to get to her pepper spray and instead was forced to fend the hounds off with sticks and a tent stake. She fought the dogs off for 45 minutes, sustaining multiple bite wounds to her hands and legs. One of Kadie’s dogs was nearly killed in the attack and the other remains in guarded condition as she recovers from a serious abdominal injury. When the hounds men arrived, they had difficulty calling off their dogs. Kadie finished packing up her camp with a great deal of difficulty (her hands were badly shredded) and requested that the hunters hold their hounds until she and her dogs were safely back in her car. They did not; the dogs were released again before Kadie was able to safely leave the site. Despite the seriousness of the injuries and the fact that Kadie was alone, none of the hounds men offered further assistance; not even to help her get back into town safely.



We are requesting anybody with any information about these men to contact the Graham County Sheriff’s Department before these dogs hurt somebody else.

Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

First, I just saw flitter-flying, like a faerie from Pan's Labyrinth, sunlight on long wings. When it landed, I saw a praying mantis. Not preying as far as I could tell. Just posing.

Trails and Fires

Lately, there's a lot more going on at the photo blog than here, and the dominant subject has been fire. This shot, for instance, appeared there. But tumblr's not the place to get into too much depth, and it ends up with a bunch of pretty pictures, scrolled through too fast to tell a story.



Like in the shot above. The dark line up the middle? It's a single rut, a foot or two wide and stretching across the meadow, where a controlled burn consumed an obscuring mantle of grass. Tomorrow, I head back to the office, where I'll see whether this rut matches up with a trail mapped in the 19th Century, which pretty much matches up with the route that Wenatchi people have always followed. Of course, the rut might be more modern, or just used by elk, or a meltwater channel. None of which, it should be noted, is mutually exclusive of a horse trail, and before that, horseless human trail; culture and nature meander and mingle.

At some point, I'll post about the (f)utility of post-fire archaeological survey in terms of finding artifacts, but for now just let me say that fire sure lights up larger features like trails. The above tree is obviously odd, growing gnarlier than a Ponderosa pine should. But in a lot of situations, foliage obscures the the blazed bark or modified trunks that mark historic and ancient trails. After a fire, the unusual trees stick out a much greater distances, and survey becomes easier. If you're really on a trail, you can often see the next marker. If you're really on a trail, you should not be seeing a bunch of similar tree-forms off to the sides. Last week, I followed what seemed to be a trail marked by a series of big stumps that survived the fire.

Many stumps do survive wildfires, and one of the most eye-opening things about doing survey in fire's wake is that the intensity can vary so much. Entire trees up in ash here, forests reduced to black spars there, but somewhere else the fire skipped along lightly. Like in this shot, where a grassy slope has islets of burnt bushes and spot fires, but the game trails where vegetation is tramped down failed to burn. Or the next shot, which shows vehicle tracks running through another controlled burn area.

Archaeologically, these glimpses snatched from the flames inspire and depress. We can see so much, but it will be hidden again in months, dragged back into obscurity in a few growing seasons. Though the weather will wash away down hill some of the traces, though creatures will stir things up, yet still will traces of trails remain sandwiched in soil. Today, I can discern cowpaths among a lace of deer trails. Today, I can tell where the engine trucks were deployed, where the pick-ups parked, and where the ATVs ranged during a controlled prairie burn. Tomorrow (in archaeological time), it will be impossible or insanely expensive to dig up that kind of information.

Meanwhile, I'll scope out what I can of fires both intentional and wild, looking for trails and the places they went to. Probaby the most common sights are bottles, cans, and campfire rings, all of which prefer to hide under plants and leaf litter. Sure, a lot of these sit right next to roads still travelled, but keep in mind that some of those roads follow older trails. The empty beer bottles in the fire pit along a road long abandoned can give you a good idea of when the road was in use. The obvious glint of glass might also lead to less visible but highly informative artifacts, objects that pinpoint the period or tell tale of activity beyond drinking and hunting. There is almost never anything that a non-archaeologist would value in any way, but camp-trash can help trace trails, especially when fire intervenes to lift the veil.



When under that veil lies a trail, I feel like I've found something worthwhile. Archaeology, learning about how people have lived on the land (rather than the treasures they accumulated that may be more interesting on a photo blog or National Geographic), benefits from mapping where they traveled. And fire helps archaeologists salvage from the devastation more than they normally could.

Pyrochroa serraticornis, le Cardinal

Le Cardinal, Pyrochroa serraticornis, ne passe pas inaperçu avec sa robe rouge écarlate. Ce Coléoptère au corps mou dont la tête est entièrement rouge se distingue de son cousin P. Coccinea dont la tête est noire. Cardinal Pyrochroa serraticornis Cet insecte de la famille des Pyrochroidae fréquente les vieux troncs et les souches, mais il ne dédaigne pas les fleurs à l'occasion. Les

U.S. Forest Service releases 2015 dates for fee-free days at most of the agencies’ day-use recreation sites

The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at most of its day-use recreation sites several times in 2015, beginning with Jan. 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.



“These fee-free days are our way of thanking our millions of visitors but also to encourage more people to visit these great public lands,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “These lands belong to all Americans, and we encourage everyone to open the door to the great outdoors.”



No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Check with your local forest or grassland or on Recreation.gov(link is external) to see if your destination charges a fee. Fees are used to help cover the cost of safe, clean facilities. Use the Forest Service map to find a national forest or grassland near you.



The 2015 scheduled fee-free days observed by the Forest Service are:



• Jan. 19: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors the legacy of the civil rights leader and encourages Americans to participate in the MLK Day of Service



• Feb. 16: Presidents Day, honoring our nation’s Presidents with particular attention towards commemorating President Washington and President Lincoln.



• June 13: National Get Outdoors Day, a day when federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry encourages healthy, outdoor activities.



• Sept. 26: National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort in support of public lands



• Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day, commemorates the end of World War I and pays tribute to all military heroes past and present.



Agency units plan their own events. Contact your local forest or grassland for more information. The last fee-free period for 2014 is Nov. 8-11 in honor of Veteran’s Day.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

New Lick Creek FootBridge on the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail

A partnership of the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service recently resulted in the rebuilding of Lick Creek Bridge on the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail in McCreary County, Kentucky. The bridge spans Lick Creek in the Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest near the boundary of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and the creek crossing forms the intersection of the Sheltowee Trace and Lick Creek Trail.



The new bridge is constructed of 16 foot long steel I-beams for the superstructure and pressure treated lumber for the decking and railing and was built by U.S. Forest Service Stearns District employees. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area contributed building materials for the project. "The Lick Creek Bridge project provided a wonderful opportunity for the Forest Service to partner with the National Park Service to accomplish mutual objectives. It's a great example of different agencies working together to get a much needed project completed," said Tim Reed, Stearns District Ranger.



The new bridge provides for improved hiking conditions on the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. The Trace is currently 319 miles long with the northern terminus near Morehead, Kentucky, and runs through the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Pickett State Park, and into the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.



For more information on recreation opportunities in the Stearns District of the Daniel Boone, call (606) 376-5323. For more information on recreation opportunities in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, call (423) 286-7275.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Hiketoberfest: Celebrate the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail

Celebrate the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Shackleford Ridge Park in Signal Mountain. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Cumberland Trail, which supports the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail and Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park.

The event will feature guided hikes, educational programming, heritage music and food. Attendees can learn about plateau wildlife, including birds of prey, mammals, snakes, native wildflowers, medicinal plants and cultural conservation.



Musicians of all skill levels are invited to bring instruments to the Cumberland Trail jam tent hosted by Randy Steele, Matt Evans and Bob Townsend. Fall Creek Falls State Park will be on hand to offer a ragdoll kids craft program. Tims Ford State Park will offer a Native American atlatl demonstration and presentation on pelts and skulls.



A $10 per person/$25 per family donation is suggested.



The Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail is a backcountry hiking trail. It will extend, when complete, from a northern terminus at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park through 11 Tennessee counties and over more than 300 miles of scenic and historic terrain along the Cumberland Plateau before reaching its southern terminus at Signal Point in Signal Mountain. The Cumberland Trail connects 330,000 acres of some of the most biologically-rich, bio diverse and spectacular lands under public stewardship, including five state natural areas. To learn more about the Cumberland Trail, please click here .







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

"Someone" Was Living in that Hole

Nine years after the big fire.

Monday we hiked one of our favorite old trails, severely burned over in 2005. That fire was followed by a flash flood the same summer, wiping out parts of the trail, and then came an influx of invasive weeds. The weeds are not so bad now — there is more grass — but you still have to pick your way over trunks of dead trees that have toppled in the intervening years.

More linkage

M. is enough of an animist that of course she would say, "Someone is living in that hole," as opposed to "an animal of some sort." Isn't an animal "someone"? (It's the second item under "Sept. 15.")

Recent severe forest fires in Colorado are not a "departure from the norm," say University of Colorado researchers. " Modern fires in these Front Range forests are not radically different from the fire severity of the region prior to any effects of fire suppression." In other words, we are still feeling the effects of the 1910–present regime of fire suppression.

Bicycle commuting supposedly skyrockets — but in Colorado Springs, it's all about fun, not about going to work. "The Springs is probably the best city along the Front Range for mountain biking," said Tim Halfpop, manager of Old Town Bike Shop on South Tejon Street. "But we're the worst for road riding and getting around town."

The founder of Wiggy's, the low-profile but respected outdoor gear maker in Grand Junction, is promoting lamilite, a continuous-fiber synthelic insulation. I am just re-reading Ernest Hemingway's novel For Whom the Bell Tolls, set in the mid-1930s during the Spanish Civil War, in which the American protagonist, Robert Jordon, extolls the virtues of his eiderdown-insulated "robe," for which he paid $65 — more than $1,000 today, according to one calculator. Makes Wiggy's bags look like a deal.


Rich French diners are still chowing down on endangered birds. It's tradition, you see. " Captured Ortolans are kept and fed heavily for at least three weeks until they resemble a small fat ball. Once they reach a specific weight, the unfortunate birds are drowned in a French liqueur called Armagnac, before being prepared or sold. In France, the price for such a peculiar 'delicacy' easily reaches 150 Euros ($189 US)."



Did I mention that ze artiste Christo has admitted that his plan to hang plastic panels over the Arkansas River is "at a standstill"? No doubt some art auction house will sell copies of his legal filings. It's all conceptual, you see.

National Park Service Announces Free Admission on Nine Days in 2015

There are nine more reasons to enjoy national parks next year! The National Park Service will be offering free admission to every visitor on nine days in 2015. The 2015 entrance fee-free days are:



* January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

* February 14-16: Presidents Day weekend

* April 18 & 19: National Park Week’s opening weekend

* August 25: National Park Service’s 99th birthday

* September 26: National Public Lands Day

* November 11: Veterans Day



“Every day is a great day in a national park, and these entrance fee free days offer an extra incentive to visit one of these amazing places,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “As we prepare to celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial in 2016, we are inviting all Americans to discover the beauty and history that lives in our national parks.”

A national park may be closer to home than you think. National Park Service sites are located in every state and in many major cities, including New York City which is home to ten national parks. They are places of recreation and inspiration and they are also powerful economic engines for local communities. Throughout the country, visitors to national parks spent $26.5 billion and supported almost 240,000 jobs in 2013.



Generally, 133 of the 401 National Park Service have entrance fees that range from $3 to $25. While entrance fees will be waived for the fee free days, amenity and user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours will still be in effect.



Other Federal land management agencies that will offer their own fee-free days in 2015 are: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. Please contact each for dates and details.



The National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service also participate in the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass and Federal Recreational Lands Pass programs. These passes provide access to more than 2,000 national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, grasslands, and other federal lands. Four passes are available:



* free annual pass to current military members and their dependents

* free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities

* $10 lifetime senior pass for U.S. citizens aged 62 and over

* $80 annual pass for the general public.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Shenandoah National Park Completes Rock Outcrop Management Plan

After years of planning and public input, Shenandoah National Park staff recently concluded the Rock Outcrop Management Plan (ROMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) planning process with the signing of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The EA analyzed alternatives that will direct the future management of rock outcrop areas which helps direct recreational activity in the park. Shenandoah's rock outcrops are some of the largest in the region and contain a myriad of important vegetation communities, aas well as rare plant and animal populations. These rock outcrops are popular and draw visitors to the views, sweeping vistas and recreational activities they afford; however, intense use of rock outcrops for recreational activities has caused severe degradation of vegetation and soils at some rock outcrops, including impacts to globally rare species and communities.

The selected alternative "Balance Between Natural Resource Protection and Visitor Use", provides for visitor use and enjoyment of rock outcrop areas while protecting natural resources at the rock outcrops and minimizing impacts to natural resource conditions. Implementation of the ROMP will result in some minor restrictions to visitor uses in certain areas of the park. Camping will be prohibited in portions of certain high elevation areas, including Little Stony Man, Hawksbill, and North Marshall Mountains, as well as areas of Overall Run Falls North and Mary's Rock. Additionally, limited closures will be affected to protect high elevation resources in portions of Little Stony Man Mountain, Old Rag Mountain, and Hawksbill Mountain. Closures are effective immediately.



In announcing the signing of the FONSI, Superintendent Jim Northup said, "We have a legal obligation to protect these rare and sensitive plant communities and animal populations. As we begin formal implementation of the ROMP we will continue to work closely with park partners and stakeholders to provide public enjoyment, while meeting these legal obligations."



Under the plan, park staff will also monitor the status of rare natural resources and invasive plants, as well as visitor use and impacts on rock outcrops. Staff will also educate the public and cooperators on the importance of protecting rare resources at rock outcrops using signage, presentations and publications.



A copy of the FONSI can be found here .







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Shenandoah National Park Prepares for Fall Travel Season

Shorter days and cooler nights signal the arrival of fall in Shenandoah National Park. Every autumn is different, and park staff is looking forward to a wonderful fall season. Some of the trees and other plants are already putting on their autumn colors.

Fall means it's also time for the weekly Fall Color Report which provides some observations from around the park. Visitors can now find these reports on the park's website or listen to them on the park's main phone line at 540-999-3500 option 6. The Fall Color Report is updated each Friday through the end of October. If you can't visit but want to see the fall color progression you can check-out the park's Mountain View webcam .



The mountains are a particularly good place to view fall colors because the steep slopes afford visitors an opportunity to view the kaleidoscope of color that moves down from the peaks to the Shenandoah Valley or Virginia Piedmont below. Superintendent Jim Northup said, "We look forward to the many visitors who come from around the world to experience the incredible fall color show while stopping at overlooks along Skyline Drive, hiking through the park's wilderness, or just relaxing with friends and family." October is the park's most heavily visited month of the year.



As night falls more quickly toward the end of October, park facilities will begin closing for the season. A complete list of seasonal closures can be found here .







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to Close for Bridge Replacement - Hikers Will Be Impacted During Closure

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will close for the season on the evening of October 31, 2014 and will remain closed until April 30, 2015 to replace eight bridges along the 5.5-mile, one-way roadway. The road will be closed to all public use including hiking and biking.

“Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a unique experience for park visitors to explore historic cabins and enjoy the scenery along the road,” said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. “We realize this work will disappoint some and also inconvenience Trillium Gap Trail hikers. We have made every effort to minimize these impacts by doing most of the work during the winter months when the road is annually closed for the season.”



Bluegrass Contracting Corporation of Lexington, KY was awarded the contract to replace the eight bridges which were last rehabbed 35 years ago. Work includes replacement of the bridge decks and supporting beams, along with rehabilitation of historic stone masonry abutments as needed.



Due to the complete removal of the bridges and the use of large equipment to perform repair work, the road will be closed to all users. Hikers may not walk along the road to access trailheads, but may use connector trails to access the area. To access both Trillium Gap and Baskins Creek trails, hikers may begin their hike at the Rainbow Falls trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road by following the connector trail for 0.6 miles to the Baskins Creek trailhead and 2.3 miles to the Trillium Gap trailhead. Baskins Creek Trail hikers may cross the road and walk to Baskins Creek Falls and continue east to the opposite end of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hikers may not cross the road for thru-access to Grapeyard Ridge Trail due to bridge construction at this intersection. However, hikers can enjoy the Grapeyard Ridge Trail by accessing it from the Greenbrier area and hiking west towards Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail which allows access to backcountry campsite 32.



For more information about road closures, please visit the park’s website or call the park’s Road and Weather Information Line at 865-436-1200.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

In the Southeastern San Luis Valley

The evocatively named Flat Top mesa in eastern Conejos County, just north of the New Mexico state line. Taken from a spot looking west, near San Luis-the-town.

"Mega Deals" at REI

With fall hiking season already in full gear, and winter just around the corner, you may be finding yourself in need of some new gear. If money's a little tight, you may want to check-out REI's current sale - which they're calling "Mega Deals at REI OUTLET".



Thru October 13th REI will be offering up to 70% off on a wide array of outdoor gear and apparel.



For more information simply click on the graphic Ad:











Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Prescribed Burning Season to Begin in NC National Forests

The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina announced plans to conduct prescribed burns in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests later this month, and into November if weather conditions are favorable.



The agency will conduct burns on approximately 4,000 acres in the two national forests.



Prescribed burns reduce woody debris and hazardous fuels that could contribute to high-severity fires. These burns also produce healthier, more diverse and more resilient forests. Please click here to learn more.



The safety of the public and of Forest Service personnel are top priority when prescribed burns are performed.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies

Astronomy Program at Bandy Creek This Saturday

Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, October 4, for one of the park's highly popular dark sky astronomy programs.



Starting at 9:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday evening, Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the night sky. The program will be held in the parking lot across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation when darkness descends upon the Cumberland Plateau. You may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. There is no charge to attend these programs.



In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the Interpretation and Education building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. For directions or additional information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.







Jeff

Hiking in the Smokies