Archived Outdoors

Timber harvest has started in Harmon Den

A 96-acre timber-harvesting project is underway in the Harmon Den area of the Pisgah National Forest, in Haywood County.

The goal of the project is to improve wildlife habitat, and while exposed soil, freshly cut stumps and logging slash will be visible immediately after harvesting, the area is expected to show a large increase in wildflowers, grasses and young trees within one or two growing seasons. All harvested areas will be reforested, with logging wrapping up by December 2018.

The project stems from the 2010 Harmon Den Project Decision Notice. It’s being done through a timber sale contract, with the U.S. Forest Service frequently inspecting the progress. 

A large portion of money paid for the timber stays in the project area, to be used for activities such as treating invasive weeds, improving the timber stand, wildlife habitat enhancement, road maintenance and water quality improvement. The most recent timber harvesting in the Harmon Den area was in 2006. 

Visitors should drive carefully, as logging trucks will be traveling Cold Springs Road, Brown Gap Road and Max Patch Road. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.