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 at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) this March or early April, weather permitting. Local residents and visitors may see smoke in the area for a brief time, according to Phil Pannill, Land Manager for NCTC

Grass fires such as this usually burn quickly and then go out,” Pannill said. “Fire breaks have been created to ensure the fire is contained and wildland firefighting equipment will be on hand. All needed permits will be obtained.”

The activity will involve two fields, totaling 24 acres. This will be carried out by experienced firefighters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the National Park Service and other agencies.

"The upcoming prescribed burn will be NCTC’s ninth since the beginning of this successful program in 2011”, said Steve Chase, NCTC Director. “Since we have started prescribed burning, our habitat for wildlife has improved tremendously, especially for small mammals, ground nesting birds and pollinating insects.”

If you have any questions, please email phil_pannill@fws.gov.

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