|
Fire Management
Information Regulations Phone: 608-742-7100 Address: |
2008 Prescribed Fire News Release
February 20, 2008
Contact:
Derek Casbon, Prescribed Fire Specialist
Leopold Wetland Management District
608-742-7100 x18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Smoke: A Healthy Sign of Spring
This time every year, natural resources professionals use prescribed fire to reduce wildfire hazards and to restore and maintain wildlife habitat. Staff working for the US Fish & Wildlife Service at the Leopold Wetland Management District (WMD) office is no different. Beginning April 1 and continuing until mid-June, crews of firefighters and equipment assemble at Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) across south-central Wisconsin. After careful planning, training and observations, crews use prescribed fire as an effective management tool to manipulate vegetation.
“Prescribed fire is one of the most effective management tools we have to maintain and restore vegetation to its’ natural state,” says Steve Lenz, District Manager at Leopold WMD. “The name itself implies benefit is to be gained from carefully planned and implemented fire.”
Last year alone, US Fish & Wildlife Service employees at Leopold’s office conducted burns in 10 counties on 15 WPAs for a total of 1,075 acres. Burns are planned for 2008 on 30 WPAs in 12 counties. These prescribed burns reduce the build-up of flammable materials, while improving habitat and lowering the chances of an uncontrolled wildland fire on those properties.
Simulating historic, naturally occurring wildfires produces great benefits to native plants and animals. 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 oak, causing them to sprout from the base. The resulting shoots provide tender, nutritious browse for animals like white-tailed deer. Fruit-bearing plants (like blueberry) are stressed by fire, signaling them to flower and fruit.
When you see evidence of prescribed fire this spring, remember the role that fire plays in Wisconsin: removing accumulated flammable materials, providing habitat for wildlife and plants, and maintaining beautiful meadow views.
2008 Prescribed fires are planned for the following counties during suitable weather: Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Manitowac, Ozaukee, Rock, Sheboygan, Waushara and Winnebago. The Waterfowl Production Areas scheduled to be burned are open to public recreation. Public use will be restricted during firing operations.
For additional information on the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Leopold Wetland Management District, please call 608-742-7100, or write W10040 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage, WI, 53901. The Waterfowl Production Areas it manages are scattered across south-central Wisconsin.
These properties were scheduled to be burned during the 2008 spring field season ( April 1 - May 30). This listing may not be comprehensive. Burning may occur outside the listed time frame, and operations are weather and fuel condition dependent. Portions of the Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) will be closed to public access durning firing operation for your safety.
New Chester Baraboo Gadwall Swamp Ludwig Grass Lake Manthey Harvey's Marsh Schoenberg Marsh Island Lake Severson Shoveler's Sink Sime Swan Pond Vienna Jefferson County WPA Rock County Sheboygan County WPA Rockdale Johnstown Batavia Spooner Conservation Easement Boltonville Waushara County WPA Winnebago County WPA Dodge County WPA Wilcox Eckstein Robbins Shorebird Uihlein
