HSNP Goat Rock Trail Birds Foot Violet

Normally I would be posting a blog with newly emerging Wildflowers and Butterflies, but not today.  This weekend while I was on a beautiful hike with my husband we came across an unexpected sight.  As we neared the top of the Goat Rock Trail we encountered bright yellow crime scene tape.  A section of our Forest had been blackened by fire.  The side path leading to one our favorite places was scorched.  Before the roads were added to the park in the early 1900s the North Mountain overlook was located in a cluster of Rocks.  This beautiful gathering space was set alight causing the loss of wildlife and habitat. Judging by the number of cigarette butts often littering the Trails in Hot Springs National Park sadly this was bound to happen.

We have had a dry winter and spring has arrived early so the risk of fire will increase with each passing month. During our hike wind was racing up the trails and we were thankful this was not the case during the fire.   Please do not smoke on the trails and only light fires in designated areas when the risk danger is low. Please remember what Smokey the Bear says, “Only you can prevent Forest fires.”

Happy Hiking :o)
Lee

HSNP Goat Rock Trail Fire Crime Scene

HSNP Goat Rock Trail Fire Crime Scene

HSNP Goat Rock Trail Fire Crime Scene

HSNP Crime Scene Tape