National Forests, the Appalachian Ranger District, & Wildfire Prevention

Segment 3, January 18th, 2025

One of the most popular places for people to enjoy the outdoors are actually places that were created to conserve, manage, & sustain:  National Forests

Segment Highlights:

  • Jen Barnhart is the District Ranger of the Appalachian Ranger District
  • The Appalachian Ranger District is north of Asheville and goes all the way to Tennessee.
  • It’s made up of six counties and includes parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and Roan Mountain
  • It was hard hit by Helene.  Trees down, roads washed away, and other damage has kept this district closed
  • Fire prevention is a big concern for North Carolina’s National Forests.
  • Prescribed burns help control the tinder and fuels that wildfire’s burn
  • The NFS has a successful partnership with volunteers, state, and municipalities in the area

Things You’ll Learn by Listening:

North Carolina follows Texas and California with the highest number of fires.  90% of them are caused by people.

The Carolina Outdoors is sponsored by local Charlotte outfitter, Jesse Brown’s