The United States Forest Service released a draft proposal for the Grandfather, Appalachian, Pisgah (GAP) Restoration Project on July 12, and is inviting the public to comment. The project, developed over two years, aims to restore fire-adapted sections of Pisgah National Forest and reduce wildfire risk. The Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan, finalized last year, faced criticism for potentially endangering protected bats and failing to safeguard old-growth forests. Data shows longer, severe dry periods in southern Blue Ridge forests, with Western North Carolina currently in moderate drought. Increased community growth heightens wildfire risk. The plan includes controlled burns of 10 to 18,000 acres, stand improvements of 1800 acres, timber harvests for vegetation management on 500 acres, and creating woodland condition of about 150 acres. Open houses will be held in July to discuss the project with local communities.
To learn more about the GAP Project
To see the official documents and to comment
