Press Releases for All

Burn ban issued for all North Carolina counties due to hazardous forest fire conditions

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice. 

N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day and the many benefits trees provide

RALEIGH – North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday.

Burnt Mountain Trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest closed for improvements

A popular trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) is undergoing improvements, resulting in a temporary trail closure.

Clemmons Educational State Forest transitions to summer hours of operation

CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton has entered the peak season for visitation, bringing about the shift to summer hours of operation. On March 1, Clemmons ESF resumed weekend hours of visitation. Summer hours will remain in effect through Oct. 31.

N.C. Forest Service urging diligence, best practices and common sense when burning outdoors

 

RALEIGH – March signals the beginning of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be diligent about using best practices and common sense with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.

Backyard flock in Dare County tests positive for HPAI

RALEIGH – A backyard flock in Dare County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.

N.C. Forest Service accepting applications for Forest Development Program funding

RALEIGH – Landowners interested in applying for cost share reimbursement funding through the Forest Development Program (FDP) should contact their local N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) county ranger’s office or work with a consulting forester.

NCDA&CS offers free agronomic services for Western N.C. growers

RALEIGH -- It has been months since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and recovery is still ongoing throughout the region. Many residents and growers had devastating losses, but work is under way to rebuild and move forward in 2025. 

N.C. Forest Service to conduct prescribed burn on Big Island in McDowell County

MARION – The N.C. Forest Service is planning to conduct a 63-acre prescribed burn on Lake James’s Big Island in McDowell County Wednesday, Feb. 26, as weather and conditions permit.

N.C. Forest Service assistant Alleghany County ranger named recipient of the Moreland Gueth Water Quality Award

SPARTA – N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Assistant Alleghany County Ranger Russell Choate has been named recipient of the 2024 Moreland Gueth Water Quality Award. This award is presented annually to the N.C.