REC warns of power outage risk from bamboo

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, or REC, warns that bamboo can pose an invasive threat to power lines.

As an invasive species, bamboo spreads aggressively, choking out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.

Once planted, bamboo is incredibly difficult to manage or remove.

Bamboo also threatens REC’s infrastructure.

When left unchecked, bamboo can grow quickly into overhead power lines, posing a serious risk for power outages.

Using herbicides, they treat and remove bamboo near power lines to prevent outages and maintain safety.

Many localities in Virginia have started regulating bamboo, with ordinances that address its planting and maintenance to help control its spread.

REC provides electric service to 180,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SNP collaborates with utility partners

photo credit Scott Bradley Hesson with permission

Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is taking proactive measures to fortify its infrastructure in collaboration with utility partners, aiming to minimize potential damage from future weather occurrences.

The initiative involves the replacement of utility poles and the restoration of power lines along two key utility corridors within the park.

Consequently ,certain visitor services will be affected at Elkwallow, Mathews Arm Campground, and the Big Meadows area.

Updates for Visitors in the Big Meadows Area:

  • During April, intermittent power outages will occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays.
  • Shower facilities will be closed between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.
  • Normal Park operations will resume on Fridays through Sundays.
  • Wood and ice sales remain available at Big Meadows Wayside until further notice.
  • Comfort stations/bathrooms in the loops of Big Meadows Campground will continue to operate fully.

Big Meadows Wayside and the visitor center at Big Meadows will function mostly as usual with the assistance of generators.

However, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Mondays through
Thursdays, Wi-Fi services may experience disruptions, exhibits will be closed, and movie screenings will be suspended.

Big Meadows Lodge is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, as planned.

Elkwallow Wayside & Mathews Arm Campground:

  •  Renovation work for these areas will commence upon completion of the tasks at Big Meadows.
  • Opening dates for these facilities are to be determined later due to the ongoing renovations.

For individuals with campground reservations until mid-June who have not received communication regarding their reservation at Mathews Arm, please reach out to Mindy Bogue at mindy_bogue@nps.gov or 540-999-3500 x3405.

Guests have the option to relocate their camping reservations to either Big Meadows or Loft Mountain Campgrounds.

However, availability may be limited at these sites due to the closure
of Mathews Arm.

Alternatively, guests may opt for a refund if they choose to cancel their reservation.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCFR and other first responders have been busy for several days

Several social media posts indicate that first responders have been kept busy over the past couple of days during the high winds and dry conditions.

Several downed trees and power lines were reported down by the winds last night in the Shenandoah Valley.

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) posted that they dealt with several fires since last Thur. Dec. 2.

On Dec. 2 Warren County responded to a fire near the Front Royal airport that required the assistance of the VA. Department of Forestry.

Later on Dec. 2 Fauquier County requested assistance with a woods fire in Markham.

A fire yesterday in the Limeton area had spread from a structure and threatened the nearby woods.

All these incidents were brought under control quickly thanks to the actions of the first responders.

You are reminded to be cautious or not burn at all during sustained winds and dry conditions.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.