The North Carolina Forest Service lifted the open burn ban for 81 counties Sunday, but officials warn the region remains in extreme drought with wildfire season far from over.

Residents interested in the role can email the board’s executive assistant by this Friday.

Most land in North Carolina is privately owned, making conservation work more challenging for nonprofits and environmental advocates. A new agreement is designed to help conserve a unique stretch of privately owned land: the state’s electric highway system.

State officials announced that a Guilford County bridge will be dedicated to the late Sgt. Philip Dale Nix. A ceremony will be held on Monday afternoon.