International Dark Sky Week takes place April 5-12. It’s the week surrounding the new moon, so, should it be clear at night, get outside and look up. If you live in the city, you will want to get out into the country and turn your back to the city. Some of the constellations that can be seen after dark include Orion, Canis Major (Big Dog), Gemini (the Twins), and Leo (the Lion). The Horsehead Nebula and Orion Nebula are both found within the Orion constellation. The brightest star in the night sky is Sirius in Canis Major. It is 8 light-years from Earth and is the closest visible star, other than our own sun. For more information on International Dark Sky Week, visit https://www.darksky.org/international-dark-sky-week-2021-save-the-date/ . For a free, downloadable/printable night sky map, visit http://skymaps.com/downloads.html .
Soon after Dark Sky Week, it is turkey season! As a turkey hunter, get familiar with the area you plan to hunt in ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with State and federal regulations that may apply in the area. Practice sound gun safety and never hunt near or shoot towards areas where other visitors may be (roads, trails, rec areas, bodies of water, etc.). As a visitor to the woods during Spring Turkey Season, be aware that hunters may be nearby. Consider wearing brightly colored clothing and staying near areas considered developed for visitor use (roads, trails, rec areas, etc.). Spring Turkey Season lasts from April 19 to May 9, 2021 from 30 minutes before sunrise until 1 p.m. each day.
The Forest continues to implement prescribed fires and respond to wildfires across Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs (ACW) and the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek (HRCC) Ranger Districts. Forest employees completed over 20,000 acres of prescribed burns and responded to over 40 wildfires. We have several wildland firefighters from around the country working on the Forest, helping with the busy spring fire season. We will continue to implement prescribed burns throughout the next month. Fire season typically ends when everything turns green, which is typically sometime in May. Cutting cedar in restoration units, repairing roads and building, and installing gates, along with many other projects are also being completed between prescribed burning projects.
Forest offices continue to take precautions to reduce COVID spread. Employees at the office will assist visitors outdoors, as much as possible, or by telephone. Access into the buildings is limited and a mask must be worn.
If you have any questions regarding the listed activities, please feel free to call the Ava District Office at 417-683-4428.
