News

March 19, 2007 - Refuge begins spring field burning

Refuge fire managers are preparing to ignite as many as 20,000 acres of stubble fields in Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges. Burning will start the last week of March and continue through May as weather and necessary conditions permit. Nearby residents and refuge visitors should expect some smoke in the vicinity of any prescribed fire activity.

Prescribed fire continues to play a major role in the management and restoration of wildlife refuges today as it has for decades. Since the early 1930's, Klamath Basin NWRC has safely and effectively utilized fire a major management and wildlife habitat enhancement tool. The refuge has treated an average of 18,700 acres per year over the last several years.

The ongoing marsh and wildlife habitat enhancement efforts in Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges are all featured in the fire management program's web site, available online at http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/fire. Additional project information is available through the web site as well. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System.