Friday, October 12, 2007

Autumn in the Shenandoah Valley: Fire ban in National Forests

Sign posted at Mountain House at base of Shenandoah Mountain in George Washington National Forest.

FIRE BAN
Maureen T. Hyzer, Forest Supervisor, has signed Order No. 06-08-07, banning the building, maintaining, attending, or use of a fire, campfire, or any solid-fuel stove fire, including wood, charcoal, or coal-fired stoves and grills. This ban goes into effect at midnight Friday, October 12, 2007, and covers all National Forest lands in Virginia & West Virginia of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Camp stoves using gas or liquid fuel may still be used.

This ban is necessary because of the long-term extended drought, low-ground moisture, and current and extended weather outlook. The ban will remain in effect until December 15, or until weather conditions improve.

Dry mountain creek bed at base of Shenandoah Mountain in Ramsey's Draft.
Dry mountain creek bed between Buffalo Gap and Deerfield.

A pool of water is about all that remains of this mountain creek.
This creek usually flows briskly with deep pools. What little water is not seen at the surface but is flowing beneath the rocks.

Photos by SWAC Girl
October 12, 2007

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