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Location: The 116-acre White Top burn unit is located 2.7 miles southeast of Konnarock, VA, two miles southeast of Big Hill, VA, and 2.8 miles northeast of Whitetop, VA. Mud Creek Lane (Forest Service Road 89) and a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, both north and southbound from Damascus to Elk Garden, may be temporarily closed the day of the burn.

For your safety, please follow posted signs and trail closures when they occur. The prescribed burn is expected to have lingering smoke effects the communities of Konnarock and Big Hill and the surrounding area. Depending on wind direction, residents and travelers in these areas may see or smell smoke along State Highway 58 (Jeb Stuart Highway) and County Road 600 in Grayson County (White Top Mountain Road) as well as County Road 76 (Laurel Valley Road) in Smyth County.

Date and Time: The Forest Service plans to begin ignitions on March 4, 2022, if weather conditions are appropriate. This prescribed burn will be completed in one day. Firefighters will continue to monitor the area for several days after the burn.  

Objective:  This project will improve wildlife habitat by restoring open woodlands and grasslands to the forest landscape and reduce hazardous fuels. 

Additional Information:  Caution should be used traveling along to ensure firefighter and public safety. Please drive slowly and use caution.