Land Between the Lakes — Forest Service wildfire officials plan to conduct prescribed burns within administrative sites and select open lands at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in March 2018. Officials will burn dry fuels to improve forest health and habitat diversity when weather conditions outlined in the prescription are met.
“Approximately 449 acres are included in the planned prescribed burns,” said Todd Lerke, fire management specialist at Land Between the Lakes. “Prescribed fire is weather dependent. We must have the right conditions to meet land management goals, with the least smoke impact to surrounding communities.”
Administrative sites planned for prescribed burns in March 2018 include, but are not limited to, a portion of the Elk & Bison Prairie.
Wildfire 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 in March will include open lands identified for prescribed fire wildlife and ecosystem management but not burned in March 2017.
Land Between the Lakes will notify local media outlets on days when prescribed burns are scheduled.
Notices can be found at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/alerts-notices or by calling toll free 800-525-7077 or in Kentucky call 270-924-2000. To learn more, call Fire Management Specialist, Todd Lerke, at 270-924-2092.