JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fish and Wildlife) will conduct prescribed fire activities at the National Elk Refuge as early as Tuesday, April 22, to help reduce the risk of wildfires, minimize invasive vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.
According to the agency’s project announcement, the schedule to remove old and matted vegetation is weather-dependent and could be conducted as late as May 31.
According to Fish and Wildlife, the target area to be burned includes approximately 147 acres of the Pederson Unit, located east of the Gros Ventre River and approximately 2 miles north of the Jackson National Fish Hatchery. Additionally, small piles of vegetation debris could be burned on the Poverty Flats Unit, located north of the refuge maintenance facilities, when favorable conditions exist. The total footprint for these piles will be less than one acre in size.
Fish and Wildlife wrote via press release that prescribed fires are an important tool to reduce the risk of wildfire in local communities.
“The Service carefully plans every burn to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities, the public and the firefighters,” Fish and Wildlife wrote. “Before beginning a prescribed fire, experts review specific conditions that include weather, smoke management, suitable prescription window, correct season, sensitive habitats/species and availability of resources to ensure fire objectives will be met and the burn is completed safely.”
During fire operations, some areas including roads could be temporarily closed to the public.
“For your safety, please follow all posted signs and area closures,” Fish and Wildlife wrote. “Temporarily closed areas will be re-opened as soon as safely possible. Signs will be posted along the nearest major roads, and all burns will be monitored until they are completely extinguished.”
Smoke could be visible for several miles from the burn site, and it might be possible to smell smoke during and after prescribed burning activities. More information is available here on how prescribed fire smoke can affect health.
Earlier in April, Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) also began its prescribed burn operations in the Jackson area now that snow is receding.
