All articles tagged with #us forest service
The Trump administration's USDA is seeking public input for only three weeks on its plan to revoke the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects 59 million acres of US forest land, raising concerns about limited public participation and potential weakening of forest conservation efforts amid proposed US Forest Service reorganizations.
President Trump's efforts to consolidate federal wildfire response agencies into a single entity face significant opposition from Congress and agency veterans, who argue that such restructuring could hinder effective wildfire management and prevention efforts, especially amid a severe wildfire season.
The U.S. Forest Service has purchased three mining claims in the San Juan Mountains, making the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite in Ouray officially public land. The site features a unique sauropod trackway with 134 consecutive steps, including a more than 180-degree turn, and is one of the longest continuous trackways in the world. Hikers can now access the site, located at an altitude of 9,300 feet, and the Forest Service plans to raise awareness about it while ensuring it remains open to the public for generations.
Madison Saltsburg, a 20-year-old University of Vermont student, tragically died while skiing at Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington. She fell 600 feet to her death, while another skier with her is in critical condition. Two other skiers suffered serious injuries that day, possibly due to a change in temperature affecting the snowpack. The UVM community is mourning the loss of Saltsburg, who was described as a junior from Pennsylvania.
A backcountry skier tragically died after falling 600 feet down Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, amid hard and icy conditions. The U.S. Forest Service reported that the steep bowl, known for its challenging terrain, had dangerous conditions due to firm and icy surfaces. Several accidents occurred, with one skier suffering fatal injuries and others sustaining non-life-threatening trauma. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with snow sports, as industry experts advise awareness of changing weather and snow conditions.
A 20-year-old woman died after falling 600 feet while skiing in Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington, New Hampshire. The area had hard, icy snow surfaces and open crevasse holes, leading to fatal and traumatic injuries for the skier and her companion. Rescuers also responded to two other skiers who suffered injuries from falling on the firm and icy snow surface. The U.S. Forest Service highlighted the hazardous conditions due to a lack of recent snowfall and cold temperatures, emphasizing the ever-changing risks in the area.
A woman tragically died after falling approximately 600 feet down Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington, while two other skiers suffered traumatic injuries from falling ice and rocks on the icy and firm snow surface. Responding teams from the Mount Washington Avalanche Center and U.S. Forest Service worked to evacuate the victim and attend to the injured skiers, with multiple falls witnessed throughout the day in steep mountaineering terrain.
Billions of cicadas are expected to emerge this spring, with two broods, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, set to make an appearance. A map from the U.S. Forest Service shows the expected emergence areas, primarily along the eastern coast of the United States and stretching into the edge of Texas. This simultaneous emergence is a rare event, last occurring over 200 years ago. Residents in these areas should prepare for the noisy insects and a significant cleanup afterward.
The Matts Creek fire in Bedford County, Virginia, is now 57% contained and has burned over 11,000 acres. Firefighters conducted a tactical firing operation to strengthen containment lines, and with rain expected, further spread of the flames is not anticipated. Crews will take advantage of the rain to mop up smoldering areas. The rain has also helped to clear the heavy smoke, resulting in cleaner air. Minimal smoldering and smoke impacts are expected in the coming days.
Hotshot fire crews, elite U.S. firefighters who battle the biggest wildfires in the American West, work in extreme conditions for long periods of time, often without access to basic amenities like showers or cellphone signals. They use hand tools and chain saws to carve out dirt tracks to control the spread of fires. Despite the dangers and low pay, hotshots are drawn to the camaraderie and the challenge of the job. A report by the University of Washington highlights the pay disparity between federal firefighters and their counterparts in state agencies, leading to legislation that aims to raise the base pay of entry-level federal firefighters.
The Matts Creek fire in Bedford County, Virginia has burned over 10,000 acres and is currently 27% contained. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Firefighters conducted a successful strategic firing operation to remove fuel and decrease the risk of intense fire behavior. Crews are working to improve fire lines, patrol the area, and monitor structures. Weather conditions are expected to bring rain, which may help with firefighting efforts. Road closures and temporary flight restrictions are in place, and smoke is likely in nearby communities. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect.
The Matts Creek wildfire in Virginia has grown to 6,835 acres and is now 15% contained, with crews battling the flames since Sunday. Dry weather and windy conditions have fueled the fire's rapid spread, leading to school closures and health alerts due to smoke pollution. The fire is currently burning on National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway lands, with no private properties at risk. The Blue Ridge Parkway and trails in the affected area have been closed to the public.
The Collett Ridge Fire in Cherokee County, North Carolina, has grown to approximately 1,335 acres due to burning operations and dry conditions. The fire remains 0% contained, with no structures threatened or lost, and no injuries reported. Firefighters are working around the clock to monitor fire activity and provide structure protection. Smoke from the wildfires has led to air quality concerns in the area. No evacuations have been ordered at this time.
The Wayne National Forest in Ohio may undergo a name change following requests from American Indian Tribes and the local community. The current name, derived from General Anthony Wayne, is seen as offensive due to his violent campaign against the indigenous community in Ohio. Proposed new names include Buckeye National Forest, Ohio National Forest, and Koteewa National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public feedback on the matter. Similar changes have been made to federal landmarks and national parks to remove derogatory names related to Native Americans.
The Bedrock Fire in Oregon has grown to over 6,100 acres, with firefighting efforts hindered by smoky conditions. Officials are seeking public assistance in determining the cause of the fire and are asking for any information, photos, or videos from the area. Dry fuel conditions due to drought have contributed to the fire's intensity, and smoke from the fire is affecting air quality in central Oregon.