This Land, Your Land

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, beset by a fire and hurricane damage over the last month, will partially reopen Tuesday.

The refuge's website says the headquarters, the Washington Ditch Trail entrance, and the Jericho Ditch Trail entrance will reopen to the public for regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dismal Swamp State Park, near the southern reaches of the swamp in North Carolina, remains closed.

Rains from Hurricane Irene, which hit the East Coast August 27, have greatly helped efforts to douse the Lateral West Fire, which began in the Great Dismal Swamp with a lightning strike sometime prior to August 4.

But, because of the fire, wet roads, hazard trees, and roads needed for firefighter access and escape routes, September deer hunts on the refuge have been cancelled. Hunters with current permits can get a refund. Call the refuge at 757-986-3705 for more information.

Get information here about October and November deer hunts at the Great Dismal Swamp.