Prescribed Fires Scheduled at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge plans to continue a series of prescribed fire projects in the coming days in the vicinity of Quanah Parker Lake, Camp Doris, and Boulder Cabin. The intent of the prescribed fires is to reduce the threat of wildfire to popular Refuge areas, reduce invasive red cedar, and invigorate native grasslands.
Affected portions of the Refuge’s public use area will be temporarily closed to provide for public safety. Access points for trails and picnic areas will be posted with area closure signs and remain closed as long as needed to assure public safety. Roads on the refuge may also need to be closed for short periods of time.
Public use areas that may be subject to temporary closure include; the Little Baldy, Burma Road, Dog Run Hollow, Narrows, Burford Lake, Osage Lake, Quanah Parker Dam trail, and the trail from Boulder Picnic area to 40 Foot Hole. Picnic areas that may be closed include; Lost Lake, Burford Lake, Boulder Cabin and Boulder Picnic Area.
For information on potential trail closures, contact the Refuge Visitor Center at 580-429-2197 or by visiting the refuge website and facebook sites at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/Events.html, and http://www.facebook.com/WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge.
The burns are being implemented under a strict set of guidelines and weather parameters to provide for public and firefighter safety and to limit potential smoke impacts to public use areas on the refuge and neighboring communities. Ignition will take place when winds will reduce the amount of smoke that may move into populated or smoke sensitive areas. Smoke may be visible for a great distance and will be visible from refuge roads for several days following any burning. If predicted and actual weather conditions do not meet the prescribed fire plan parameters, the burns will be rescheduled to another date.
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 www.fws.gov.
- http://www.southwest.fws.gov - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
News Release
Public Affairs Office
PO Box 1306
Albuquerque, NM 87103
505/248-6911
505/248-6915 (Fax