Prescribed Burn Planned at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Weather and national preparedness levels permitting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.

Learn more about prescribed burn on Unit 2C at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during the week of Sept. 21–25, 2026. If conditions do not allow burning during this window, the operation will be rescheduled for mid‑October, when preparedness levels are expected to decline and staff availability improves. To ensure public and staff safety, the Refuge will temporarily close the auto tour route surrounding Units 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D on the day the burn occurs.

Over the past two years, Unit 2C has undergone targeted Phragmites treatment, resulting in a substantial accumulation of dead vegetation. A prescribed burn will remove this material, improve habitat quality, and prepare the unit for future management actions. Unit 2C is typically flooded year-round but is currently dry while Great American Outdoors Act Great American Outdoors Act
This landmark conservation law, enacted in 2020, authorizes the use of up to $1.9 billion a year in energy development revenues for five years for needed maintenance to facilities and infrastructure in our wildlife refuges, national parks, forests, recreation areas and American Indian schools.

Learn more about Great American Outdoors Act -funded improvements are underway on the outlet structure leading to the Great Salt Lake. The temporary dry conditions provide an opportunity to conduct the prescribed burn and support long-term wetland restoration and habitat for migratory birds. 

Prescribed fire is an essential habitat management tool used to reduce invasive vegetation, promote native plant growth, and improve conditions for wildlife. Fire crews from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will conduct the operation. Each burn is carefully planned, with the safety of the public, firefighters, and surrounding community as the highest priority.

Smoke may be visible from nearby communities, and visitors may notice smoke or fire activity near the burn area. For information about smoke and health, visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality at https://deq.utah.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.

-FWS-