Prescribed fires through May at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday, April 8, that Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will be conducting prescribed burns this spring. Depending on weather conditions, burning should occur sometime between April and May.

Prescribed burning activities should have little to no impact on access to the refuge public use area. These burns will accomplish refuge management objectives for reducing hazardous accumulations of fuel, decreasing the number of unhealthy and dense stands of forest regeneration, and improving forage and cover for wildlife.

Burning will only occur when weather conditions are favorable, on days when the smoke will disperse and mix with the pre-dominate air flow. These burns will be conducted in accordance with the State of Washington’s Smoke Management Plan. Disruptions to traffic are possible due to smoke, but are expected to be minimal. To ensure public safety, signs will be placed along adjacent public roads and staff will monitor smoke conditions.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on FWS visit http://www.fws.gov.