outdoors
The U.S. Drought Monitor releases new drought maps each Thursday. USDM map
Dry conditions expand in N.C. The most recent drought map, released Thursday, June 30, showed dry conditions blanketing the state as North Carolina’s second-driest June on record drew to a close. While the June 23 map showed 69 of North Carolina’s 100 counties facing some level of drought or dryness, only one county — Hyde County — escaped designation in the June 30 map. Moderate and severe
July 6-12, 2022
Turkey harvest falters from pandemic highs The 2022 turkey harvest came in considerably lower than the record-breaking totals of the past two years yet remained strong compared to pre-2020 levels, according to recently released numbers from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. When life throws you a financial challenge, you’ve proven you have what it takes to ace it. Now it’s time to tackle your retirement savings at AceYourRetirement.org
Smoky Mountain News
In 2022, hunters statewide harvested 20,576 birds, including 1,777 taken during youth season. This numbers is 4% below the three-year average but well above the 18,730 birds harvested in 2019. The mountain region saw the largest decrease in harvest, with a 13% reduction from the three-year average, compared to 10% for the piedmont and 6% for the coastal region. For more wild turkey harvest statistics, visit bit.ly/3nvjlvc.
Consultants wanted for Parkway planning efforts The Blue Ridge Parkway is looking for consultants to lead the creation of comprehensive strategic plans for economic development in the 29 counties and dozens of
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drought is thus far restricted to the eastern part of the state, with all of Western North Carolina designated as abnormally dry. The map was created based on observations through 8 a.m. June 28. Thunderstorms over the weekend did return some moisture to the mountains, and that rainfall will be reflected in the next drought map, to be released July 7 at ncdrought.org.
Puzzles can be found on page 38 These are only the answers.
towns and cities along the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor in Virginia and North Carolina. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug.
5, with any questions about the two requests for proposal to be submitted by 2 p.m. Friday, July 15. Two grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will fund the strategic planning work, which will engage community leaders along the Parkway to determine realistic and effective strategies to enhance tourism and related economic development along the corridor. The project timeline will likely range from nine to 15 months. Learn more at brpfoundation.org/gatewaycommunityrfp.
