Prescribed Burns at Davis Bayou Area
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Contact: Rick Clark, 850-916-3011 Contact: Nina Kelson, 850-934-2604
Gulf Islands National Seashore to Conduct Prescribed Burns in the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Dan Brown announced today that sometime during late January through March, 2012 the Park plans to conduct as many as three prescribed burns within the Davis Bayou Area of the Seashore.Burning could extend into April/May if needed.Blocks of sixty, forty-two and nine acres are planned.The burn locations are along Park Road and Robert McGhee Road.Brown states, "The purpose of the upcoming burn is to restore habitat and reduce hazardous fuel levels which will serve to protect the Park and local community in case a wildfire should occur.Thick undergrowth has developed in the last five decades as a result of fire exclusion and has changed the plant community." When conditions are right, and the proper personnel are present, the prescribed burns will be conducted.The exact date and time will be primarily dependent upon weather factors.A north wind is needed for these burns.The Park is extremely concerned about safety and smoke management issues and will only burn with the correct wind direction and dispersion factors. Park officials expect that due to humidity levels, burning will most likely begin around 10 a.m. and end by around 4:00 p.m. on the day(s) of the burn. Once a date is selected, information will be disseminated through the local news media and Park neighbors will be contacted. Historically, Davis Bayou saw lightning-caused fires every 1-3 years, but fire suppression in the past has changed the landscape.Come to the park to learn more about how fire is necessary for a healthy ecosystem during the "Burning in the Bayou" program on Sunday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. Discover how fire renews a landscape and leaves open spaces for plants and wildlife.In a place that regularly sees storm debris piled high, fire cleanses the forest to allow light to reach under the canopy, "sparking" new growth.Join us to learn more! Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. Should you have any questions or need additional information, contact the Gulf Islands National Seashore Science and Resources Management Division by calling 850-232-3633, or by email at GUIS_Resource Management@nps.gov. For information regarding the "Burning in the Bayou" program or other programs available at the Seashore, please call 228-875-9057 ext. 4100 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis. |
Did You Know?
Gulf Islands National Seashore's Fort Massachusetts, on West Ship Island 12 miles off the Mississippi coastline, was covered by the 30-foot storm surge from Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The fort has been reopened to the public.