After the Burn

“It’s been two years since Lake James State Park reintroduced fire to the landscape after decades of well-intentioned, but ill-informed suppression. The first prescribed fire in the parks 30-year history took place in February, 2014 in the area traversed by the Fox Den Loop trail and it’s a great time to revisit the site to weigh the consequences, both good and bad. We may also assess a more-recent burn unit if the 2016 prescribed fire season goes according to plan. Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead the way on this moderate, 2.25-mile hike in search of plants and animals that were affected by the fire. Meet at the Catawba River Area breezeway at 2 p.m.”