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Contact: Robin Barker, 912-882-4336 x 254
St. Marys, GA- Cumberland Island National Seashore will carry out a prescribed burn tomorrow, Tuesday, January 26th of a debris pile located on the southern end of the island at a location known locally as Raccoon Key. The operation will be conducted weather permitting. Impacts are expected to be minimal though visitors may see and smell some smoke when near the area.
The pile covers one-acre (correction from previous press release) and consists of dried vegetation cleared from the island landscape as part of landscape maintenance and fuel thinning operations, in accordance with Cumberland Island’s Fire Management Plan.
Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the Intracoastal Waterway, neighboring communities of St. Marys, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida have minimal impacts.
Fire managers anticipate visible smoke for several days after the initial start of the burn. The prescribed fire will be conducted and monitored by trained, experienced National Park Service firefighters. Access to the area will be restricted while the fire is active.
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Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh, and beaches. The island is also home tomore than9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The seashore is accessible by pedestrian-only passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov,on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice.
Last updated: February 1, 2021