The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will conduct prescribed fires in wildlife management areas spanning more than 30 counties this spring. Jacob Stewart is the department’s private lands program coordinator. He said there are several reasons for the fires, which are also known as controlled burns.
“Trying to encourage grasses and native wildflowers that we look for wildlife to use. On the forested section, the idea of promoting white oak, or the idea of taking out invasive species.”
Stewart said the goal is to increase habitat diversity in the state’s wildlife management areas. He said the department will notify adjacent property owners in advance of the one- or two-day fires, which will take place this month and next.
“Seeing fire on a landscape can be a scary thing if you're not prepared – prepared for the context that you're seeing it in, but not only the fire, but the idea that fire creates smoke, and smoke can be a hazard, both for people driving on the roads or if they live by in these near communities.”
Stewart said Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel will be on hand to ensure the fires don’t get out of hand.
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