Press Releases
Effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, the N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for the following counties in North Carolina: Anson, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland and Wayne. The burn ban went into effect May 24 due to hazardous forest fire conditions in the area.
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission will hold a public meeting to review and approve research pilot program applications. WHEN/WHERE:Thursday, July 110 a.m.
N.C. Forest Service personnel responded to an increase in fire activity Friday across eastern North Carolina due to fire weather. Temperature, relative humidity and wind all presented conditions conducive to wildfire.
The 26-county burn ban enacted May 24 prohibits fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. With nearly half the state in moderate drought status and little rain in the forecast, N.C. Forest Service officials urge North Carolinians statewide to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary risk with fire.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon start treating for gypsy moth infestations in areas of Buncombe and Yancey counties. Two areas are scheduled for treatment – a 1,760-acre block around Mount Mitchell in both Yancey and Buncombe counties; and a 2,845-acre block near the Celo community in Yancey County. Treatments are expected to start as early as June 14, weather permitting. Following are descriptions of the treatment areas:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expected to start treatments for a gypsy moth infestation June 14 in a 1,330-acre block near Marion in McDowell County.U.S. 221 passes through the center of the block, with hardwood forests throughout. There are 305 residences in the area, and a portion of this block is Forest Service land. In 2019, a total of five male moths were trapped in this area. That number increased to 34 in 2020, signifying a reproducing population. One application of mating disruption is planned.
With drought conditions extending toward the Foothills, fire officials are concerned about campfires and other sources of open flame across the state, especially in the 26 counties currently under a state burn ban that remains in effect until further notice.
WHO/WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to review the trust fund budget and hear reports on easement closings, cycle XIV RFP selections and other trust fund activity.
Farms are offering tours, u-pick for flowers and fruit, farm stands and special events for late spring.