Prescribed burns to begin

January 30, 2007

TULELAKE, Calif. – Refuge fire managers are preparing to ignite as many as 8,000 acres of marsh and uplands in Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges.

According to a recent press release, burning may commence in late January and continue through March as weather and necessary conditions permit.

Nearby residents and refuge visitors should expect some smoke in the vicinity of any prescribed fire activity.

Prescribed fire continues to play a major role in the management and restoration of wildlife refuges today as it has for decades.

Since the early 1930’s, Klamath Basin NWRC has safely and effectively utilized fire as a major management and wildlife habitat enhancement tool.

The refuge has treated an average of 18,700 acres per year over the last several years.

The ongoing marsh and wildlife habitat enhancement efforts in Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges are all featured in the fire management program’s web site, available online at www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/fire .

Additional project and burn day information are available through the web site as well.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The service manages the 95 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System.