Forest Service wildlife officials plan to start seasonal prescribed burns at Land Between the Lakes (LBL) Recreation Area. Public Affairs Officer Chris Joyner says the prescribed burns will be conducted within administrative sites, Oak Grassland Demonstration Area, and select open lands in LBL.
He says officials will burn dry fuels to improve forest health and habitat diversity when weather conditions outlined in the prescription areas are met.
LBL Fire Management Officer Todd Lerke says the prescribed fire is very weather dependent and especially challenging in the dynamic weather patterns as of late. He adds they must have the right conditions to meet land management objectives while limiting smoke impact to surrounding communities.
A release says wildlife is a natural occurrence that benefits plants and animals while reducing the risk of large wildfires. Prescribed burns often target high use areas to reduce accumulation of dry fuels and to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Prescribed burns that may be implemented in March include projects supporting wildlife and ecosystem management.
LBL officials say they will notify media on days when prescribed burns are scheduled. Notices can also be found on the Land Between the Lakes website by clicking on alerts-notices.
