News

April 19, 2006 - Refuge fire crew assists Stillwater NWR with emergency prescribed burn

Heavy rains and increasing snow melt resulted in pressure for quick measures to move large quantities of water through Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has a series of canals designed to facilitate just such an effort, however a major section was thickly overgrown with tule reeds and posed a risk of clogging and potential flooding. A crew from Klamath Basin traveled to Fallon, NV, and burned nearly 10 miles of canals, significantly reducing the thick vegetation and increasing flow ability. Weather and holding conditions permitted the crew only two days of burning before new rains inundated roads and limited access. Refuge managers report the burns increased their ability to safely deliver water through the refuge.

See pictures from the burn on the Stillwater NWR Stills page.