11/15/2025
N.C. Forestry Service officials update county commissioners
JOHN FOLEY
Managing Editor - Bertie Ledger-Advance
Although they are seldom seen, Bertie County has its share of forest fires and N.C. Forestry Service updated the commissioners on recent activities.
Since the county has appropriated yearly funds to the Forestry Service, periodic updates are given.
Assistant N.C. Ranger Ally Jo Salomon and Ranger Ahmed Vaughan offered an update to the Bertie County Commissioner on the fire activity within the county.
“For the year, there have been 29 wildfires throughout the county and 15 warning tickets were issued. While the fires were controlled, nine homes were protected,” said Vaughan. “We have had a big presence on Indian woods lately, with over 100 or so acres of fire that we had there.
“Thanks to the rain, that has helped us out a lot to put them out faster than normal. We have also seen a lot of activity in Lewiston Woodville lately,” he added.
Forest management is a primary effort for the rangers and they are actively working with county land owners addressing their needs.
“We have had a total of 66 forest management plans written for landowners totaling over 4,000 acres. A force management plan provides recommendations based on landowners, specific objectives, whether it be timber production, forest regeneration, wildlife habitat or indoor site values,” explained Salomon. “These plans are for landowner objectives. We also provide various cost share programs with eligible landowners, such as our forest development program.
“Last year we had 122,000 in cost share programs and this year we are at 167,000,” she added.
The rangers also pay close attention to the county’s water quality. Logging operations can cause havoc with water quality.
“As for water quality we actually go out to logging inspections just so we can check to make sure that the water quality in Bertie County is not being degraded. And this year we had a lot of inspections. We had 34 logging operations to inspect, said Salomon.
Landowner education and career days play an important role in the ranger’s community outreach.
“We also have information and education programs as well. Last year, we went to 21 information and education programs. That includes community events and career days at schools informing students about being a N.C. Ranger,” said Salomon.
Commission Chair Corey Ballance expressed his thanks and appreciation for the hard work the rangers do in keeping Bertie County safe.