Blue Ridge Parkway

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Breaking News

Parkway Seeks Public Input for Vista Management within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Habitat

(Asheville)—The Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway) is seeking public input, through May 20, on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for managing vistas within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (CNFS) habitat along the Parkway. Listed as an endangered species in 1985, some 25-30 years after the construction of the Parkway through its habitat, the CNFS now receive additional protection through the Endangered Species Act and through NPS Management Policies.

For more information on this article, click here.

2.2 Mile Section of Parkway Closed

(Sparta, NC)—A 2.2 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed between Milepost 223.1 on the north end and Milepost 225.3 on the south end. The detour will begin for visitors traveling south at Saddle Mountain Church Road to Glade Valley Road to Shaw Town Road then to Mountain View Road which connects back to the Parkway at Milepost 225.3. Reverse this order for northbound Parkway traffic.

Parkway officials said this closure is necessary to facilitate painting the bridge superstructure, replace bridge expansion joints and perform related miscellaneous work. These repairs are estimated to take approximately 2 months to complete.

 

Safety Improvements at Abbott Lake Dam

Peaks of Otter Developed Area, Milepost 85.9 on Parkway

(Bedford, VA) - The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Abbott Lake Dam will be closed from December 2007 through October 2008. Visitors will be prohibited from the general area surrounding the dam, including the picnic area, Pollywood’s Ordinary cabin and the Abbott Lake trail. Visitors will still be able to access the trails from the Peaks of Otter visitor’s center...

Explore Park to Close Historic Areas at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 18

(Roanoke, VA) - Explore Park's Historic Areas will close to the public at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 18.  The Historic Areas and the Brugh Tavern, which closed at the end of October, will not re-open next season.  The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, which also includes a permanent exhibit chronicling the early histories of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke region, will close for the season on November 18, but will re-open next spring...

Craggy Retaining Wall Press Release - Parkway section to close on November 16

(Asheville, NC)...Parkway officials said the closure is to allow repairs to be made to the retaining wall at MP 364.6, which has failed.  Officials emphasized that the scenic motor road will be open to Mount Mitchell State Park from the north only at MP 330.9, as weather permits.  No public access to the Parkway will be allowed south of the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park (MP 355.3) and north of the Ox Creek Road intersection (MP 375.6).

Statement about the Future of Explore Park

(Roanoke) - At its October 16, 2007 meeting, the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority or "VRFA" - Virginia's Explore Park's governing board of directors - voted to cease regular operations of Explore Park on November 30, 2007.  The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, including its gift shop and exhibits, will remain open on a seasonal basis. 

National Park Service Seeks Public Input For Vista Management within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Habitat

(Asheville)—The Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway) is seeking public input, through November 19, to identify issues and additional study that will be needed to develop an Environmental Assessment (EA) for managing vistas within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (CNFS) habitat along the Parkway.

Parkway Seeks Input for Control of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

(Asheville) The Blue Ridge Parkway is seeking public input, through July 2, to identify issues and additional study that will be needed to develop an Environmental Assessment for control strategies of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina.

Centennial Initiative

President Bush has recently released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2008, and the news for the National Park Service has generated much discussion.  Read more about the Centennial Initiative

Your Voice Has Made A Difference!

Capitol Hill is talking.  Why?  Because you've caught their attention.   Read more about the hundreds of petitions you sent in support of increased funding to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Read on Petitions.

New Federal Budget

President Bush has asked Congress to provide more money to the National Park Service for visitor services, upkeep, and law enforcement.  How will this impact our area?  Read more Breaking News.