USFS awards Clinch Ranger district timber salvage sales

NORTON – Timber salvage sales in Scott and Wise counties have begun 11 months after Hurricane Helene struck the region.Tiffany Cummins, district ranger for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest's Clinch Ranger District, announced the sales Thursday. The 149-acre Thunderstruck sale – in parts of Scott and Wise counties – and the 144-acre High Knob salvage sale in the Wise County and Norton area were announced as potential projects in April.A third salvage sale in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area – 76 acres along parts of U.S. Highway 58 between Damascus and Konnarock – has also been approved, said Cummins.Forest Service officials said in April that the salves were needed to reduce fire danger because of the fuel provided by fallen and damaged trees in affected areas."These salvage operations are just one of several tools we're using to manage the sudden increase in fuel," said Cummins. "By removing downed trees, we reduce wildfire intensity, improve firefighter access and create better conditions for long-term forest regeneration."The Clinch Coalition and the Southern Environmental Law Center in June listed their own concerns about the projects in April during the Forest Service's public comment period:- potential soil and erosion impact if salvage operations do not follow best practices- potential introduction of nonnative invasive plant, insect and animal species- reduction in the salvage area's species diversity and habitat- wetlands impact affecting Big Cherry Lake, a primary water supply for the Big Stone Gap area- a potential for increased fire dangerCummins on Thursday said the sales have been planned on the basis of environmental impact and regional tourism development."Salvage is one way we can act quickly, address risk and keep forest management aligned with our long-term goals," said Cummins. "A major fire wouldn't just damage forest health and infrastructure, it could jeopardize years of economic progress. That's why acting now is critical."