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Prescribed Burning at Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges
The Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Zone Fire Staff, local fire departments, and the Delaware Forest Service, will continue its prescribed burning program at the refuge. The areas to be burned will be approximately 90 acres of successional fields adjacent to each Refuge headquarters. The burns will take place on one week day at each refuge between February 25, 2024, and April 20, 2024, contingent upon optimal burn conditions.
The purposes for this year’s burns will be to set back succession to early stages to benefit grassland dwelling birds, counteract against undesired non-native plant species and remove accumulated wildland hazardous fuels. The use of prescribed fire is an effective and cost-efficient method to accomplish these objectives. Trained prescribed burning specialists will conduct the burns.
Due to the locations of the burns, the refuge headquarters will need to be closed to the public on the day that burning activities will occur. Visitors may access the Bombay Hook auto tour route from route 9 on Dutch Neck Rd. Weather conditions such as rainfall and wind speed/direction will determine when the burning occurs. The Refuge Complex Facebook page and websites will be updated frequently to inform the public regarding burn plans.