If you're planning a drive through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week, you might want to postpone it, as park crews are planning to burn about 700 acres of fields in the cove.
The burning, scheduled to start Tuesday and run through Friday if weather allows, is designed to keep forest from intruding on the fields. The park contracts to mow about 950 acres of fields that are clearly visible from the Cades Cove Loop Road twice a year, according to a park release. Other fields that are less visible from the Loop Road, totaling around 1,500 acres, are kept open by burning or mowing on a three year rotation, the release added.
"Park firefighters and a park engine will be assigned each day to ignite the grasslands and to make sure the fire stays within its prescribed boundaries," the release noted. "Strips of grass surrounding each field slated for burning have been mowed short to provide containment lines."
Mark Taylor, the park's fire management officer, didn't think the Loop Road would be closed due to the burns.
“The public, of course, will notice smoke in the valley but it will dissipate quickly and not unduly impact their visit,” he said.
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"you might want to postpone it, as park crews are planning to burn about 700 acres of fields in the cove." Now is the time to visit. No management activity better supports the Park Service mission than prescribed burning. When we went yesterday, they had employees out on the road who explained why they were burning. It was a great educational experience for the kids. We loved seeing the firefighters march across the landscaped burning out the exotic species. What a treat! We got some great pictures of the fire and all the equipment they were using. Kudos to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for effectively managing the Park.
Was in Cades Cove today. Outstanding photo opportunities of the firefighters. Amazing to see the work they do. God bless the firefighters!