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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2008
Contacts:
Bill Clausen, 320-593-4611
EA 08-33
Litchfiield Wetland Management District to Begin Spring Prescribed Burning Season
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District (WMD) will soon begin its annual prescribed burn program on Waterfowl Production Areas located within Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Wright, Renville, Stearns and Todd Counties.
The WMD manages approximately 45,000 acres of land and annually conducts prescribed burns on approximately 2,000 to 4,000 acres each year. Prescribed burning is weather dependent and will run from late March through early June.
Prescribed fires simulate historic, naturally occurring wildfires, and produce great benefits to native plants and animals. Tallgrass Prairie and oak savanna ecosystems are fire dependant. Without fire these ecosystems would change over time and gradually disappear, along with the bird and animal species that thrive there. Burning the previous year’s plant matter returns nutrients to the soil, encouraging healthier and more productive plant growth. Fire top-kills woody plants such as willow and box elder, as well as invasive buckthorn.
Prescribed burning is an essential management activity which helps to maintain and enhance the vitality and biodiversity of fire dependent communities and reduces the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire. If you have any questions, please contact: U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management Office at (320) 693-2849.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
-FWS-
