News Release
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Robin Barker, 912-882-4336 x 254
St. Marys, GA – Fire Management personnel have been monitoring weather conditions and are looking to conduct a prescribed burn on February 4-5, 2021. Timing of the burn could change depending on fuel and weather conditions. This prescribed burn will be conducted around the Stafford campground and will encompass 425 acres within the following burn units: Stafford Field, Stafford East, Stafford Plantation, Parallel North, and Parallel South.
What to Expect:
- Stafford Campground will remain open. The only access to the campground will be via the Stafford beach trail access.
- Parallel trail will be closed between Hickory Hill Campground and Little Greyfield Crossing as well as the entire Pratt’s Trail.
- Road guards will be posted on the main road to monitor traffic flow and ensure visitor safety. Expect delays along the main road if traveling between Pratt’s Trail and the Stafford field area.
- Visitors can utilize the main road (with potential delays) and beach to move about the island.
- Expect to see and smell smoke in the areas surrounding the Stafford area.
- Visitors should expect to see fire personnel in the vicinity during the prescribed burn as well as several days after.
- The Parallel Trail between Little Greyfield beach crossing and Hickory Hill Campground will remain closed until Fire personnel deem trails safe for visitors.
For your safety please follow all posted signs and stay on marked trails and roadways.
Stafford Beach campers with concerns on how the prescribed burn may affect their reservation should call the park office at (912) 882 – 4336 ext 254.
The prescribed fire will reduce hazardous fuels in an effort to lessen the potential for wildfires to impact the residential population, campgrounds, and cultural resources of the island. These fires will stimulate and promote the growth of grasses in island fields and will help maintain cultural landscapes that are currently experiencing encroaching woody species. These fires will also open up and improve the habitat for gopher tortoises.
For more information, visit the park’s Wildland Fire page: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/learn/nature/wildlandfire.htm
###
Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh, and beaches. The island is also home to more than 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The seashore is accessible by pedestrian-only passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice.
Last updated: February 1, 2021