Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 1, 2019 5:38:32 GMT -5
Restrictions issued for Daniel Boone National Forest due to dry weather
Posted: 11:14 AM, Sep 27, 2019
Updated: 8:29 AM, Sep 30, 2019
By: Sierra McLean
(LEX 18) — Daniel Boone National Forest has issued an emergency order that restricts the use of fire on national forest lands.
The emergency order went into affect on Friday morning.
In developed campgrounds and picnic areas, campfires are only permitted in existing metal or concrete fire rings and pedestal grills that have been installed by the Forest Service.
In general forest areas, such as the Red River Gorge, campfires and open flames are prohibited.
This emergency order also prohibits the use of candles or any other open flame devices outside of developed recreation areas.
Forest Service officials said that portable lanterns and stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel and have a shutoff valve are allowed out of developed recreation areas, but officials have urged caution.
"We're experiencing above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation, and the extended weather forecast doesn't appear to bring any change over the next couple of weeks," said Forest Management Officer E.J. Bunzendahl.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of eastern Kentucky have now reached severe drought conditions.
"Over the past several weeks, eastern Kentucky has received little rainfall, and no significant rainfall is predicted anytime soon. The forest ground fuels are extremely dry, approaching record lows for moisture," said Bunzendahl.
Anyone in violation of this emergency order will be fined and may be required to appear in federal court. In addition to any possible fines, any individual or group responsible for causing a wildfire may be held liable for the costs of fire suppression.
Below you can find a list of the recreation areas where campfires are allowed in existing metal fire rings or in pedestal grills:
Cumberland Ranger District
Twin Knobs Campground
Clear Creek Campground and Picnic Area
White Sulphur Horse Camp
Clay Lick Boat-In Campground
Billy Branch Picnic Area
Boat Gunnel Group Campground
Zilpo Campground
Koomer Ridge Campground
Sky Bridge Picnic Area
Rock Bridge Picnic Area
Grays Arch Picnic Area
Fitchburg Picnic Area
Stearns Ranger District
Alpine Picnic Area
Natural Arch Picnic Area
Hemlock Grove Picnic Area
Bell Farm Horse Camp
Great Meadow Campground
Barren Fork Horse Camp
Jellico Creek Dispersed Campsites
Rock Creek Dispersed Campsites
London Ranger District
Bald Rock Picnic Area
Holly Bay Campground
Grove Campground
Craigs Creek Group Use Area
White Oak Boat-in Campground
Flatwoods Picnic Area
Laurel Bridge Picnic Area
S-Tree Campground and Picnic Shelter
Turkey Foot Campground and Picnic Shelter
Little Lick Campground
Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Video Link:
www.lex18.com/news/restrictions-issued-for-daniel-boone-national-park-due-to-dry-weather
Posted: 11:14 AM, Sep 27, 2019
Updated: 8:29 AM, Sep 30, 2019
By: Sierra McLean
(LEX 18) — Daniel Boone National Forest has issued an emergency order that restricts the use of fire on national forest lands.
The emergency order went into affect on Friday morning.
In developed campgrounds and picnic areas, campfires are only permitted in existing metal or concrete fire rings and pedestal grills that have been installed by the Forest Service.
In general forest areas, such as the Red River Gorge, campfires and open flames are prohibited.
This emergency order also prohibits the use of candles or any other open flame devices outside of developed recreation areas.
Forest Service officials said that portable lanterns and stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel and have a shutoff valve are allowed out of developed recreation areas, but officials have urged caution.
"We're experiencing above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation, and the extended weather forecast doesn't appear to bring any change over the next couple of weeks," said Forest Management Officer E.J. Bunzendahl.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of eastern Kentucky have now reached severe drought conditions.
"Over the past several weeks, eastern Kentucky has received little rainfall, and no significant rainfall is predicted anytime soon. The forest ground fuels are extremely dry, approaching record lows for moisture," said Bunzendahl.
Anyone in violation of this emergency order will be fined and may be required to appear in federal court. In addition to any possible fines, any individual or group responsible for causing a wildfire may be held liable for the costs of fire suppression.
Below you can find a list of the recreation areas where campfires are allowed in existing metal fire rings or in pedestal grills:
Cumberland Ranger District
Twin Knobs Campground
Clear Creek Campground and Picnic Area
White Sulphur Horse Camp
Clay Lick Boat-In Campground
Billy Branch Picnic Area
Boat Gunnel Group Campground
Zilpo Campground
Koomer Ridge Campground
Sky Bridge Picnic Area
Rock Bridge Picnic Area
Grays Arch Picnic Area
Fitchburg Picnic Area
Stearns Ranger District
Alpine Picnic Area
Natural Arch Picnic Area
Hemlock Grove Picnic Area
Bell Farm Horse Camp
Great Meadow Campground
Barren Fork Horse Camp
Jellico Creek Dispersed Campsites
Rock Creek Dispersed Campsites
London Ranger District
Bald Rock Picnic Area
Holly Bay Campground
Grove Campground
Craigs Creek Group Use Area
White Oak Boat-in Campground
Flatwoods Picnic Area
Laurel Bridge Picnic Area
S-Tree Campground and Picnic Shelter
Turkey Foot Campground and Picnic Shelter
Little Lick Campground
Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Video Link:
www.lex18.com/news/restrictions-issued-for-daniel-boone-national-park-due-to-dry-weather