Dolly Sods and Explosives!

As Rachael mentioned in her story of Thunder On The Sods that was posted on September 18th and 19th, the Dolly Sods was used during World War II for military exercises. Some live mortar shells remain buried in the soil. The shells are definitely out there. The Forest Service gives one explicit directions regarding mortar shells being discovered. If you should happen upon an unexploded shell, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Nitroglycerin, a component in the gunpowder charge, settles over time and can become extremely volatile. Moving the shell may cause the mortar to explode. Mark the location, draw a map of how to find it, and contact the District Ranger in Petersburg as soon as possible. While discoveries of shells are extremely rare, they are still being located on occasion by hunters and backcountry travelers. It is such a contrast - nature and military exercises.