Backcountry rangers Lydia Williams and Jordan Gibeault have almost reached their destination, Kephart Prong Shelter, when they purposefully veer off trail. They descend a slight hill, emerge into a small creekside clearing, and immediately turn their attention to a rocky outcrop protruding from the hillside. Itโs ringed with stones and filled with ash. โThis is a great example of an illegal fire ring,โ Williams said. โEvery time we come here, weโre dealing with it again and again.โ
