N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Stanly County staff members Josh Hawley, Cody Hartsell and Wade Blalock are the 2026 recipients of the State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award, which honors individuals committed to expanding the use of prescribed fire in North Carolina.
Presented each year during the N.C. Prescribed Fire Council’s annual meeting, the State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award recognizes an NCFS employee or team that demonstrates leadership and excellence in prescribed burning across North Carolina’s forests.
“The Stanly County team completed 11 prescribed burns that treated a total of 1,306 acres in Stanly County during state fiscal year 2025-2026,” said Keith Money, regional forester for NCFS Region 2. “Six of these operations were hazard reduction burns, two of which were conducted at Morrow Mountain State Park as part of an active prescribed fire program to reduce wildfire hazards and support safe, effective wildfire control in the future. This work has reduced wildfire impacts for the park and surrounding communities and has helped maintain overall ecosystem health.”
NCFS Stanly County Ranger Josh Hawley demonstrated exceptional leadership and coordination throughout the year, serving as burn boss for eight of the 11 prescribed fire operations. From communicating objectives and coordinating resources to executing each burn plan on the ground, Hawley played a critical role in a successful year of prescribed fire in Stanly County.
Wade Blalock, NCFS Stanly County forest fire equipment operator, has been an invaluable asset for the county’s prescribed fire program. His strong working relationships with partners, including Morrow Mountain State Park, and his expertise in constructing quality fire lines while minimizing impacts on natural resources have been central to sustaining the county’s success with prescribed fire.
As the newest member of the Stanly County team, Assistant County Ranger Cody Hartsell provided critical support on every burn, serving in various roles for training value and often patrolling and monitoring burn sites for several days after operations were completed.
“Prescribed fire is a critical tool for landowners and land managers in the state,” said NCFS Assistant Commissioner and State Forester Greg Hicks. “Josh and his team in Stanly County carried out safe and effective prescribed burn operations, despite short burn windows caused by persistent drought and wildfire response needs. Achieving that requires a deep commitment to serving citizens and upholding the agency’s mission to protect, manage and promote North Carolina’s forest resources. We’re proud of these guys and the example they set for how prescribed fire can and must be used to keep forests healthy and productive while preparing our communities for wildfire.”
Prescribed fires are low intensity fires intentionally set in a defined area to achieve specific management objectives such as improving wildlife habitat, reducing wildfire risk and promoting healthier forestland. This important, low-cost forest management tool is used throughout North Carolina.
To learn more about the benefits of prescribed fire and how it may help keep your woodlands healthy and resilient, visit our website.
-cma-1