New US Forest Service District Ranger selected for Nantahala Forest
Community, Outdoors June 2, 2020
Asheville, NC – May 22, 2020 – The National Forests in North Carolina announced that Troy Waskey will oversee management and operations as the new District Ranger on the Nantahala Ranger District beginning June 8, 2020.
“We are excited about the contributions Troy will bring to North Carolina based on his professional background and his experience as a ranger in West Virginia,” said Forest Supervisor Allen Nicholas. “Troy has a great background working with others, especially rural communities, to develop economic opportunities.”
Waskey has been the District Ranger on the Monongahela National Forest since 2013. While there he focused on collaborative efforts with local communities regarding recreation and tourism and landscape-scale forest restoration.
“Western North Carolina is a special place for me,” said Waskey. “It’s where I cut my teeth as an outdoor recreation enthusiast, trained as a wilderness first responder, and worked with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.” Waskey and his family are looking forward to calling Franklin, NC, home and will be settling into the area this summer.
Waskey grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He earned a degree in Natural Resources Recreation and Forestry from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation Management at Arizona State University. His first job in the U.S. Forest Service was as a forestry technician on the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and Maine. He has also worked on the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, Carson National Forest in New Mexico, and in the Arizona State Parks as an Off-Highway Vehicle Planner.
Pisgah National Forest reopens some campgrounds
Community, Press Release June 2, 2020
Pisgah National Forest will open several campgrounds and recreation sites today, June 1. Some sites remain closed and facilities and services remain limited.
Popular recreation areas that will reopen include, but are not limited to:
All concession-operated campgrounds on the Pisgah Ranger District including Davidson River, North Mills River, and Lake Powhatan, Mount Mitchell Trail, and Buncombe Horse Trail, Hardtimes, South Toe River, and Buncombe Horse Trailheads.
Dispersed camping on the Pisgah Ranger District is now allowed but campsites must be further than 1,000 feet from the nearest road. Dispersed camping is also allowed on the Appalachian and Grandfather Ranger Districts. Permits are required to camp within the Linville Gorge Wilderness on weekends and holidays and are issued by the Grandfather Ranger District office.
For a complete list of trails, roads, and recreation areas that are reopening, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/news-events/…. The few roads that remain closed, are only closed to motorized vehicles, non-motorized use is allowed.
The Forest Service is reopening sites in phases using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety. The agency is committed to maximizing public access while ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, partners, and volunteers. We are working closely with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopening sites.
Responsible recreation will help expand access. Avoid crowded areas, be careful with campfires and wildlife, and bring extra food, water, and clothing in case of emergency. Trash services and restrooms are not available in many areas so be prepared to take your waste home with you.
Visitors are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
For more information, contact us using the information at www.fs.usda.gov/main/nfsnc/about-forest/districts.