Controlled burns on public lands are coming to eastern Washington this spring and summer, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday.
The burns will help to reduce the risk of wildfire and will improve the habitat for animals like deer, elk and bighorn sheep, the department said.
“By burning off accumulations of vegetation and logging debris, we can reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfires that destroy wildlife habitat,” said WDFW Prescribed Fire Manager Matt Eberlein.
The department currently manages one million acres of public lands in Washington and operates the state’s only prescribed fire management teams.
“Last August, their work on the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area was critical in helping to suppress the Boyd’s fire in Ferry County,” the department said.
The prescribed fire management teams are made up of five full-time foresters and 18 burn-team members.
Prescribed burns in the following areas are set to begin in April. Click each location to view a map of where the burns will occur.
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in Okanogan County
Methow Wildlife Area in Okanogan County
Sherman Creek Wildlife Area in Ferry County
Rustlers Gulch Wildlife Area in Pend Oreille County
Colockum Wildlife Area in Chelan County
L.T. Murray Wildlife Area in Kittitas County
Oak Creek Wildlife Area in Yakima County
Grouse Flats Wildlife Area in Asotin County
The department said they may announce more controlled burns as conditions allowed.
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