GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Fire management officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are planning prescribed burns in the Canadian Top project area and within the Cades Cove area.
Burn operations could begin as early as Monday and may continue intermittently through early to mid-November.
The Canadian Top project area is adjacent to Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. The 600-acre burn unit is located on Bald Top and Jesse Ridge. The controlled burns are intended to restore the oak woodlands on the area’s upper slopes and ridges and improve forage for elk over time.
The Cades Cove burn areas total about 300 acres to reduce woody encroachment, help perpetuate native herbaceous species, reduce exotic plant species and maintain the historic landscape.
Temporary closures of roads and trails may occur.