The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will conduct controlled burns to restore prairie habitat on two wildlife area units in Thurston County.
The burns, which can start as soon as Monday, Aug. 22, are dependent on weather conditions, stated a news release.
They are scheduled for up to five days through mid-October at the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Unit, which is northeast of Rochester, and the West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area Unit, northwest of Tenino.
The areas targeted for burning are small and vary in size from 1 to 10 acres, stated the release.
“Portions of the wildlife areas may be closed during the burns and people may see smoke from the fires for one to two hours after operations have stopped,” stated Bill Kronland, WDFW wildlife area manager. “We will be working to minimize smoke impacts to the surrounding community.”
WDFW works in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, fire districts and other partners. They utilize professional fire crews who are experienced in conducting controlled burns on public and private lands in the south Puget Sound area.
Kronland said the prescribed burns are used by WDFW to maintain native grassland habitats, otherwise known as prairies, and to control invasive weeds before native plants are seeded and planted.
“Westside prairies are one of the rarest ecosystems in Washington and have been reduced to less than 3% of their former area,” stated the release. “They support several rare plants and animals, including birds, mammals and butterflies, some of which are listed as threatened or endangered, as well as First Foods, including camas lily.”
