Planned burns for the Tellico Ranger District in Monroe County, Tennessee, include: 1,004 acres at Bark Camp between Forest Service Road 35-1, 36-1 and 442802; 4,252 acres on Miller Ridge between FSR 35-1, 36-1, Ballplay Creek, FSR 284 and Flats Creek; 813 acres at Hemlock between Highway 165, Long Branch, Hemlock Creek and FSR 217; 2,005 acres at Brushy Ridge between Highway 165, FST 92, 93 and FSR 217; 3,200 acres at Rough Ridge between FST 163, FSR 210 and Rough Ridge Creek; 2,835 acres at Beaver Dam between FSR 126, 210, 24 and 40921; and 845 acres at Wildcat between FSR 210, 384, 384C and Basin Lead. 

Planned burns for the Ocoee Ranger District in Polk County, Tennessee, include: 2,653 acres at Towee/Wildcat/Loss Creek between FSR 2015 and 2016, FST 152/82, the Hiwassee River and FSR 108; 2,102 acres at Rock Creek between FSR 185, 77, 33571 and Highway 30; 536 acres at Madden Branch between FSR 366, Highway 30 and Interstate 64; 447 acres at Island Creek between Parksville Lake and FSR 302; 943 acres at Johnson Branch between Parksville Lake and FSR 302, 302A and Camp Cherokee; 608 acres at Sina Branch between FSR 67 and 99; 3,042 acres at Sheeds Creek between FSR 221 and 62; and 1,605 acres at Chestnut Mountain between FSR 221, 221E and 62 and FST 145. 

Burn days will be determined based on weather conditions, with burning operations expected to occur through the spring months. Prescribed fire is used for many reasons, including to improve and increase habitat diversity, help manage for more resilient vegetation and reduce the risk of fire hazard. 

Open houses to discuss these plans are slated for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Boys and Girls Club Sutton-Hooker Unit Gym in Benton for the Ocoee Ranger District and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Tellico Community Center in Tellico Plains for the Tellico Ranger District.