Fetch Your News Interviews 2018 Candidate for Georgia Governor Clay Tippins
Election, Election 2018, Politics March 21, 2018
BKP interviews Navy Seal, Business Executive, and 2018 Candidate for Georgia Governor Clay Tippins on Fetch Your News FYNTV.com. Tippins talks about if elected: cutting taxes, fixing schools, creating jobs, building roads, and protecting freedom.
Food Safety Workshop March 27
Community, Health March 15, 2018
By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
About 48 million people in the U.S. (1 in 6) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a significant public health burden that is largely preventable.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is transforming the nation’s food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it. Congress enacted FSMA in response to dramatic changes in the global food system and in our understanding of foodborne illness and its consequences, including the realization that preventable foodborne illness is both a significant public health problem and a threat to the economic well-being of the food system.
The FDA has finalized seven major rules to implement FSMA, recognizing that ensuring the safety of the food supply is a shared responsibility among many different points in the global supply chain for both human and animal food. The FSMA rules are designed to make clear specific actions that must be taken at each of these points to prevent contamination.
In response to the rule concerning the sale of fresh fruits and produce, the Fannin County UGA Extension office is hosting a one day workshop for produce growers on Tuesday, March 27th at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds located at 124 Jones Street in Blue Ridge. The class will start at 8:00 a.m. and run until 5:00p.m. The training will cover the standardization curriculum designed by the Produce Safety Alliance, which meets the regulatory requirements of the Produce Rule under FSMA.
The cost of the class is $15.00 payable in cash or check at the door and it includes lunch. In order to attend the workshop you must register at the following link: . The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.
Any produce grower who grows, packs, harvests, and/or holds covered produce, makes over $25,000 in annual produce sales and does not qualify for a Produce Safety Rule exemption is required to attend a training under new federal regulations.
Individuals that attend the workshop are expected to gain a basic understanding of the requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them successfully. Participants will also learn about microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they can be found on the farm. You will also learn how to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm along with understanding the parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one.
For more information email me at [email protected] or call me at the UGA Extension office in Gilmer County or Fannin County.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Organization
Agricultural Awareness Week in Georgia is March 19 – 23
Outdoors March 14, 2018
By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent
Since the week of March 19 – 23 is Agricultural Awareness Week in Georgia, I want to point out just how much agriculture affects our county, state and country. Agriculture in Georgia is the largest industry in the state, with a farm gate value at over $13.75 billion. When many people think about agriculture, their thoughts tend to go to South Georgia where there are thousands of acres of peanuts, cotton, pecans, and vegetables, but the food and fiber industry in North Georgia contributes to the agricultural economic engine of Georgia as well.
In Gilmer County, food and fiber production had a farm gate value of over $180 million in 2016. Our largest commodities in the county are poultry, livestock, forestry, and fruits. By comparison Fannin County’s farm gate value was $40 million. This ag value alone accounts for approximately 17% of the economy in Gilmer County, but when you consider other industries that are directly related to agriculture like sawmills and poultry processing, 43% of the county’s economy is tied to agriculture.
Another important aspect to agriculture in the county is the number of jobs it creates. Jobs that have a direct connection to agriculture are estimated to be 2,870. This number accounts for the people who work on the farms, markets or dairies in the county. But there are an additional 2,071 jobs that are created in the county because of agriculture. This number includes jobs in construction, manufacturing, utilities, trade, financial, insurance, real estate, services and government. In other words, if we did not have a food and fiber industry in Gilmer County, there would be no need to employ 2,071 people.
Agriculture also affects our tourism industry. People flock to Gilmer County for its beautiful scenery and access to outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or kayaking. The tourism industry in the county is estimated to be over $34 million, with a large percent of that being generated during the months in and around autumn when the leaves are changing colors and the apples are in season. People in Georgia are looking for fun, wholesome activities to do with their families and Gilmer County provides a great backdrop of mountains, trails, rivers, and creeks, but without the Georgia Apple Festival and other festivals that celebrate agriculture, we would be passed up for other counties in the area.
America is blessed to be able to feed itself on its own and have enough food left over to help feed the rest of the world. Because of the American farmer, the average household pays a smaller proportion of their income for food than most other countries. Without this strong industry in the country and Georgia, we would be dependent upon others to provide us food, and that would be a problem for national security.
The Master Gardener Extension Volunteers are doing their part to promote agriculture as well. They’ve partnered with the Gilmer County Public Library to provide an official seed exchange program for gardeners to give and receive seeds at no charge. This free service is intended to foster a culture of sharing for the patrons in our area to share the joys of fresh, nutritious food, grown at a home, so be sure to check it out and with Agricultural Awareness Week, take time and thank a farmer for all the hard work they do. For more information, contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
Congressman Doug Collins and Blue Ridge Business Owners Talk Pro-Growth Policies
Politics, State & National February 27, 2018
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Humane Society of Blue Ridge Hosts 10th Annual Taste of Blue Ridge
Community April 24, 2017
April 22nd was a gorgeous day for the 10th Annual Taste of Blue Ridge. The event is hosted by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge and is a fun fundraiser to assist its mission in the endeavor to provide for animals in need.
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This year’s event was spectacular with delicious food from all over including The Vault, Shane’s Rib Shack, Blue Jeans Pizza, Mesquite Grill and Mercier Orchards to name a few. There was also a wide choice from wine & beer vendors and a special dessert section with a special shout out to Sweet & Southern Sugar Co which won us over with the mint chocolate cupcakes. When you walked through the display of silent auction items it was impossible to pass up bidding on something, whether it was a special piece of art, a handmade quilt, or one of the special baskets filled with goodies.
The music was provided by the Loose Shoes Band who did a great job entertaining the sold out crowd. FYN hasn’t received the total raised yet however judging from the turnout we think it may be a record year.
Update on Tragic boating accident on Lake Blue Ridge resulting in fatality and arrest – Victim’s name released
Featured June 11, 2017
A serious boating accident on Lake Blue Ridge on Saturday, June 10th 2017 resulted in one fatality, one injury and one arrest.
FetchYourNews.com received an update from Mark McKinnon, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division at approximately 7pm Sunday the 11th.
Operator, Chad Haase, was towing two persons on a tube behind a ski boat when the tube struck the shoreline. One male subject, David Harvey Payseur III, was pronounced dead by Fannin County Coroner a short time after being brought back to the lake marina area. Another female subject, Deborah Brooks, sustained lacerations to both upper legs. After also being transported by boat to the marina area, and waiting EMS, she was then transported by ambulance to Fannin Regional Hospital, and then to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga Tennessee. The operator of the towing vessel, Chad Haase, was subsequently arrested for BUI. After further investigation, Mr. Haase was charged with Homicide By Vessel in the 1st Degree, Serious Injury by Vessel, BUI (Less Safe), Reckless Operation, and V.G.C.S.A (Possession of Marijuana Less than 1 Oz.)Deceased victim – David Harvey Payseur III, age 47, of Atlanta, GAInjured victim – Deborah Brooks, age 48, of Morganton, GAVessel Operator (arrested) – Chad Philip Haase, age 44, of Atlanta, GA
This is the arrest report from Fannin County Sheriff’s Office:
Initial post below:
FetchYourNews.com has talked with local Fannin County Sheriff’s office and DNR who are actively investigating. The DNR Law Enforcement Critical Incident Reconstruction Team is on the scene.
The following update was received from Mark McKinnon, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division:
At approximately 6:00 p.m. Saturday, DNR Game Wardens responded to a boating incident in Fannin County on Lake Blue Ridge that resulted in one fatality and one injury. Initial observations indicated that the two victims were being towed in a tube behind a vessel when the tube struck the shoreline. The injured victim was transported to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga by air ambulance. The DNR Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, along with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the incident and charges are pending. Upon notification of next of kin, names of those involved will be released.
Blue Ridge City Council, Councilwoman Angie Arp – “You Wanna Take This Outside Rhonda?”
News March 15, 2017
Spoiling for a fight. The heated argument between the two city council members Angie Arp and Rhonda Thomas was well on its way before the meeting ever started. Arp obviously took issue with comments Thomas made the previous week concerning City Attorney David Syfan. Arp responded to Thomas’ comments through several early morning e-mails (e-mail text posted below). It reached a boiling point at last nights Blue Ridge City Council Meeting.
At the Blue Ridge City Council meeting on March 14th Councilwoman Angie Arp and Rhonda Thomas get into a heated argument. Arp addressed the council about recent comments concerning legal fees for the city of Blue Ridge. After showing her support for City Attorney David Syfan, Councilwoman Rhonda Thomas, took a different position than Arp’s concerning the legal costs. This resulted in a verbal fight between the two council members. It escalated to a point where council member Rodney Kendall yelled the point of order several times. Arp offered to Thomas to take it outside.
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2017 3:24 AM
To: Donna Whitener; Rhonda Thomas
Subject: Re: Ada Street v. Blue Ridge – Ct. of Appeals Order Dismissing Appeal – IMPORTANT
My Dear Friends Donna and Rhonda,
How has your deceitful attacks and lies against me worked out for you so far? You LOST! Has it not hit either of you yet, that you have LOST every time you’ve gone against me and the council for that matter. Does it not get old always being on the losing side? Have either of you considered, you may just need to come to the realization that you are not going to ever win against me, no matter how dirty and deceitful you play. How long will you keep trying, it’s been almost four years now and your still getting your tail kicked. Where is the shame in that or better yet where is the pride in that. I like a challenge, but if I couldn’t do better than you’ve done, I believe I would wave the flag, pull may tail between my legs and go home.
I do have another question though, do you not find it odd that despite all your calculating, deceitful planning, orchestrated attempts and lying, you still have not been able to win at anything. Your attacks against me hasn’t effected me at all, except maybe gained me more favor, for being known as someone that don’t play the political game and certainly known as someone that don’t take no sh– from anyone or don’t care who you are or whether you like me or not.
Where is your elite group of supporters, none of you have been able to defeat me and now you’re all laying low, planning for one last attempt. Rhonda, as you have referred to confidently, a “new council” has it ever crossed your mind that you may not be part of the “new council”. Unless your luck changes and you can do something you haven’t been able to do in almost four years. If so, there may be a “new council”, if not, you lose again.
And Rhonda, I guess you’re eating crow right about now, I thought it was funny when an employee reminded me of the day you was in city hall, and so boldly and proudly quoted”Steve is going to win this lawsuit”. Now what do you have to say? Are you still going to strut into city hall, all confident and cocky, as if you’re somebody important? Rhonda Who? I’m curious, did you celebrate at the Black Sheep last night?
Joking aside, I really do hate that you both have cost the tax payers to date, $103,601 on this lawsuit, but one positive thing that may have came out of the lawsuit, is maybe at least it exposed the character of both of you, the trial certainly exposed that you were both not creditable witnesses, which is a polite way to say you’re not trustworthy. Even though you already had the reputation of having a “silver tongue”, and everyone knows about half of what comes out of your mouth, isn’t true, what the courts proved is different, because it involves tax payers money. Both of you went in to court for the sole purpose of lying to help your friend and you did it at the tax payers expense. Do you know how many people may have read the court transcript, and do you have any idea of what one could conclude after reading it?
And as for GMA, who knows what this has cost them. An attorney that has worked for GMA for 35 years said they have never seen elected officials testify for anyone that sued the city, ( the plaintiff) And he’s been around a long time and seen a lot. That says a lot about both of you and I’m sure you both have a really good reputation with GMA now. Donna, it doesn’t matter that you got on a board, due to the fact that no one else wanted to be on it, you will get courtesy, but you have no respect. Just a bug in your ear, for when you mingle at the next Mayor Conference, you have no idea what people really think of you. Just imagine if everyone is like you, untrustworthy, you’ll never know. I heard the rumor was you didn’t compare to the past mayors Blue Ridge has had. I can probably believe that some people may think that, I’ve even had people that actually supported you tell me that. Good grief I supported you and was saying that after about two years too.
Donna, I had hoped you had turned a new leaf, I heard someone at city hall say you said the most important thing in your life was your salvation, you told me that to. But all it takes is for someone to listen to you talk. Half of what you say still is not true, has it just become a bad habit? I have often wondered how you would answer God if he ask you where you lived when you served as mayor of Blue Ridge, what are you going to tell him? Are you going to say Lord, my home (domicile) is at Orvin Lance Drive, a two bedroom, one bath apartment above Town and County Furniture, where I live with 9 other people, but you’ve blessed me an investment property in Staurolite, so I stay there some too!
Its a good day and its good news, I’m just having a little fun with the facts , I was told I needed to get another hobby, other than increasing my portfolio, so maybe I have and maybe its’s beating both of you at your own game. I’ve actually done pretty good so far, don’t you think.
I’ve practically begged and pleaded with both of you, to put the personal aside, forgive and forget and try to get along, but you both seem to have no interest in that and both continue to wage war against me, you just continue to force me to do what I do best, and that’s WIN!
I still would love nothing more than to call a truce, but if you dont want to, I’ll continue to beat you at your own game.
Cheers!
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 1:16 AM
To: Rodney Kendall; Bruce Pack; Harold Herndon; Rhonda Thomas; Donna Whitener
Cc: Sally Smith; Roy Parsons
Subject: City Attorney Attack
Council,
After speaking with several of you individually today about the attack on the city attorney made by Rhonda, I think this should go on the agenda to discuss and clarify at the meeting. We all have information from David that we could use to get the record straight as well. David has done a good job for the city and has represented the council well in a lawsuit that could have been over in a fraction of the time and a fraction of the cost, if it had not been for both Donna and Rhonda’s involvement, starting with an illegal veto.
The council made their decision and it should have been final, and that’s the root of the problem. They want their way as they had it in their first term, neither of them have any respect for the council, the authority of the council, the city attorney, the citizens of Blue Ridge or the tax payers money. There willingness to betray the city and the tax payers in an attempt to help their friends, speaks volumes. Quite frankly the attack on David and the untruthful statements made by Rhonda, frustrate me more than anything she has done toward me. I can handle anything she dishes out at me, but when she starts attacking others, it is disturbing.
We have 9 months to go in this term, lets make sure that this type of thing does not happen again, the majority of the council has all authority. We do not have to allow Donna, Rhonda or anyone tohinder the decisions of the council. We have a lot of things to accomplish in a short amount of time. Please support me in putting a stop to any further hindrances and tactics by either Donna or Rhonda. They have both caused turmoil, strife, and unproductiveness within the city, not to mention the shame brought upon the city for their actions. They have both failed to keep their oath to the people that elected them.
Lets remember the tactics they have attempted in order to defy the council and the tactics the will try in the council meetings in an attempt to promote themselves as the election grows closer. Our meetings are for the majority of the council to make decisions, lets remember our role and adhere to our policy. They will both try to use the meetings as a political chess piece, it will be up to us to keep these meetings in order and run by the policy.
It takes a motion and a second to discuss and if the discussion is not what we want to hear it takes a motion and a second for the council to vote to end discussion.
Let me know if any of you want this on the agenda.
Angie
Margaret Williamson to challenge David Ralston in Republican Primary
Featured, Politics January 16, 2018
Margaret Williamson announces run for Georgia House of Representatives, District 7.
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The 2018 General Election is already starting to take shape as challengers emerge announcing bids for candidacy against well known incumbents. The most recent of these announcements comes from Margaret Williamson who intends to face off against Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston.
Ralston was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002 and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin County, Gilmer County and a portion of Dawson County. Ralston is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2010.
Williamson, who resides in Ellijay, made a statement discussing her decision to run:
“For many years I have been involved in political campaigns, on local, state, and national levels. I have actively participated in legislative issues, in support of or in opposition to, learning all the way. Now I intend to use this experience and acquired knowledge to enter into the process as a candidate.”
Already having begun the process of running for the House District 7 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, Williamson acknowledged in her statement that she has mailed the “Declaration to Accept Campaign Contributions” form to the Georgia State Transparency & Campaign Finance Committee.
After approval of this form, Williamson’s next step will be to complete the qualifying process held in March of this year. The qualifying will officially make Williamson a candidate in the Republican Primary for Georgia State House Representative, District 7.
Williamson concluded her statement by announcing that she is in the process of creating a Facebook page which will contain her position on various issues.
“This decision is the culmination of months of debate and prayer. Please continue praying for both John and me,” Williamson said, “This is an exciting time for me.”
A General Primary Election for both Republicans and Democrats will take place on May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the Primary Election is April 23.
Winners of the primaries will face off in the General Election to held on Nov. 6, 2018.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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*UPDATED* School Closings Due to Severe Weather Conditions
News September 10, 2017
- Union County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th due to Gov. Nathan Deal declaring a state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Please continue to monitor here for further updates.
- Fannin County Schools will be closed for students and all personnel on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12, for students, as well as all faculty and staff, except for 12-month personnel, district directors, and principals. As long as it is safe to do so, all 12-month personnel, as well as district directors and principals, should anticipate reporting by 9:00 a.m. on September 12. These personnel should note, though, that this expectation may be revised, depending on the weather conditions overnight; nonetheless, if you ever believe it is unsafe to report, please notify your immediate supervisor. In addition, the Board of Education work session meeting that was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, has been cancelled. Please continue to stay safe!
- Pickens County Schools closed Monday, September 11th – TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT AT NORMAL TIME. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, September 12. Twelve month employees will be contacted late Monday as to whether they will be required to come to work on Tuesday. All school activities, including athletic events and after-school programs, will be canceled.
- Gilmer County Schools will be closed Monday, September 11th and Sepember 12th due to Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds especially at higher elevations, debris, dangerous road conditions and downed power lines left in its wake. Only 12 month staff should report if safe to do so.
- Dawson County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Twelve month employees will operate on a 2 hour delay.
- Lumpkin County Schools closed due to the weather forecast for our area, Lumpkin County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The anticipated high winds pose a significant threat to our students and staff. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but we cannot ignore the potentially dangerous situation that this storm poses. Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe! Wednesday will still be a early release day as planned so that teachers will be available for parent conferences. 12 month employees should report if it is safe to do so.
- Towns County Schools closed Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th for all students. All employees should report at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12th if safe to do so.
- White County Schools due to the severe weather forecast, White County Schools are closed for students and staff Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Please be safe!
- Murray County Schools closed Monday September 11 and Tuesday September 12, due to the possible impact of Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds, debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines. We understand that weather predictions are often incorrect, but the size of this storm cannot be ignored. It is our hope that Murray County is spared from any of this storm’s impact, but we will always choose to error on the side of caution. All events planned for Monday and Tuesday evenings are also cancelled. This includes the September 11 MCPS Board meeting. This meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 6:15 p.m. All maintenance, grounds crew, and transportation employees will meet at the transportation office.
Air Quality Summary Report – Rough Ridge Wildfire
Featured, News November 12, 2016
Chattahoochee National Forest
November 12, 2016
Rough Ridge Fire Information: 470.208.2839
Weather Forecast
An area of high pressure will build into the region from the north and bring east to northeast winds today and freezing temperatures tonight. Maximum Temperature is 62F. Minimum Relative Humidity will 30%. Winds are expected to be East 6 – 11 mph then becoming 4-9 mph around 11am. Smoke will start settling in low areas around 7pm.
Yesterday: The monitor in Ellijay recorded hourly concentrations classified as very unhealthy, while drifting smoke resulted in a moderate AQI in Chatsworth and Blue Ridge.
Today: The upper level winds (5 to 7 miles per hour) are slowly dispersing the smoke in a southwesterly or westerly direction. Communities in the flow of the smoke may experience very unhealthy air quality.
Smoke impacts should be low in most of the communities listed below with the predicted weather pattern and anticipated fire behavior.
Tomorrow: Winds speeds will increase slightly (upper level winds between 6 to 8 miles per hour) and switch direction from Chatsworth/Eton to Benton and Ocoee and then Blue Ridge. These communities may experience an AQI of code orange or red.
Community
Yesterday’s
AQI
Today’s
AQI
Tomorrow’s
AQI
Comments
McCaysville
No monitor
Good
Good
Winds will disperse the smoke away from McCaysville.
Blue Ridge
Moderate
Good
Unhealthy
Smoke will disperse towards Blue Ridge after the sun sets on Sunday.
Ellijay
Very Unhealthy
Good
Good
Winds will disperse the smoke away from Ellijay.
Chatsworth and Eton
Moderate
Very Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Today, already recorded hourly concentrations classified as very unhealthy. Smoke from wildfire dispersing towards Chatsworth and Eton today and a portion of tomorrow.
Benton and Ocoee, TN
Good
Good
Unhealthy for
Sensitive Group
Early tomorrow morning the winds shift toward Benton and Ocoee, TN.
Disclaimer: Weather and fire activity may change quickly and alter these air quality predictions. AQI estimates for the communities do not represent a full 24-hour period but, rather, reflect a period within the day where smoke impacts would be greatest.
Air Quality Index
What the Index means for your health with regards to particulates from smoke
Good
None
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
Unhealthy
Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Very Unhealthy
Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Hazardous
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Eleventh Annual Rotary Blues Train Event was held Sept 16th in Blue Ridge
Uncategorized September 19, 2016
The Rotary Club of Blue Ridge held its Eleventh Annual Rotary Train Event on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad Friday, September 16, 2016. Once again, its Founding Title Sponsors North Georgia Ford and Autotrader.com presented the Rotary Blues Train.
Proceeds from the event will support both the Programs of Rotary and the Ferst Foundation Literacy Project which provides books to children from birth to five years of age. More than 400 children in Fannin County have received free books mailed to their homes each month through this program. Over 20,000 books delivered through this program in Fannin County so far!
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Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston speaks at Law Enforcement Breakfast
Featured, Videos December 8, 2016
University of North Georgia Professional and Continuing Education in Blue Ridge
Community, Education, Featured, Featured Stories September 17, 2016
10 Acre Rough Ridge Fire in the Cohutta Wilderness
Featured, News October 22, 2016
A small wildfire discovered in the Cohutta Wilderness on October 16 has grown to 10 acres and is highly visible across Fannin, Gilmer and surrounding counties. The fire is not threatening any private lands or structures.
The Rough Ridge wildfire is located approximately 1.5 miles north of Three Forks trailhead on the east side of the Rough Ridge trail, and is at 3500 feet elevation on extremely steep slopes. The nearest private land is located 1.5 miles to the northeast. This wildfire is most active on the northwestern and southern flanks. Flame lengths are less than one foot and the rate of spread has been slow. Lightning is believed to have started the fire. 
Because this wildfire is located within a congressionally designated Wilderness Area, it is managed differently than some other wildfires. Actions are limited to those that safely and effectively suppress the fire when needed to protect life and property and to meet other objectives.
“Natural processes, such as lightning caused fires, have helped shape the forest type you see today in the Cohutta Wilderness,” says Conasauga District Ranger Jeff Gardner.
Fire personnel are currently monitoring the Rough Ridge wildfire and using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics to allow ecological and biological processes to progress naturally while reducing the long-term effects of the suppression actions. Fire management strategies are based on many factors, including risks to public and firefighter safety; condition of fuels; predicted weather; values to protect; and available firefighting assets. These strategies may change as conditions change.
This week, firefighters have suppressed five other small fires on the Conasauga Ranger District, all located outside Wilderness Areas. As warm, dry weather persists, fire danger remains High for this area. High winds today and tomorrow are contributing to the fire danger.
Current closures associated with the Rough Ridge wildfire include the entire length of Rough Ridge trail from East Cowpen trail to the Jacks River trail.
A campfire restriction issued on October 12, 2016, includes all of the Chattahoochee National Forest, including the Cohutta Wilderness. The restriction prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire outside of developed recreation areas. That means that only campfires built within metal fire rings in developed campsites are allowed. There are no developed campsites within Cohutta Wilderness.
To learn more about Georgia’s national forests, download the official free mobile app for your smartphone or tablet, or visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf. You can also get the latest forest news by liking us on Facebook and following us on twitter @ChattOconeeNF.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.