Controlled burn planned in Badin Lake area Friday

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 24, 2017

TROY The U.S. Forest Service plans a 943-acre controlled burn today at Uwharrie National Forest in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, weather permitting.
The burn will be in the Narrows Dam area east of the Yadkin River. Moccasin Creek Road — Forest Service Road 576 — from the intersection of Forest Service Road 516 will be closed today through Saturday morning. Tony and Robbins horse trails will be closed today and are expected to reopen Saturday morning.
Residents should be aware of the potential for smoke in the area along with firefighter traffic. The communities of Uwharrie, Eldorado and Ophir could experience minor smoke impacts. The burn will be visible from but is not expected to affect, Badin, Uwharrie Point and Morrow Mountain State Park.
The goal of the burn is to reduce the amount of combustible material on the forest ground to help prevent wildfires. The burn also will help restore the oak, hickory and shortleaf pine ecosystem.