News Release
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Tonya Neider, 509-754-7816
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area may implement the following prescribed fires during Spring 2018. Controlled burns in Stevens County may include:
- Rickey #1, 22 acres, near Rickey Point
- Rickey NR, 3 acres near Rickey Point
- Kettle Falls RX, up to 297 acres south of the Kettle Falls Marina
A goal of prescribed fire in Ponderosa Pine ecosystems in Rickey #1 and Kettle Falls RX is to decrease forest fuel loads adjacent to recreation areas, residences and structures. Benefits will include:
- Reduced small fuels, which are primary fire carriers,
- Decreased risk and intensity of uncontrolled wildfires,
- Increased nutrients for trees and understory,
- Increased understory plant diversity and natural reseeding of trees.
Additional goals and benefits of the Kettle Falls RX include:
- The encouragement of natural vegetation,
- Follow up fuel treatment in the black locust reduction area,
- Minimization of mosquito environment.
The goal of the Rickey NR prescribed burn is to eliminate at least 70% of the non-native Reed Canary Grass. Eliminating Reed Canary Grass will reinvigorate and improve the function of the wetland.
Safe and favorable weather conditions may occur in late April through the beginning of June. Ignitions should be completed in one day at the Rickey Point units, and up to 6 days in the Kettle Falls RX. Public and firefighter safety are always the highest priority in all fire management activities. Project areas will be carefully monitored until they are fully extinguished. Residual smoke may be observed for up to two weeks in each unit post ignition.
Wildland fire management activities conducted by the National Park Service (NPS) are guided by NPS management policies and the Guidance for Implementation of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy, 2009.
The National Park Service is strongly committed to firefighter and public safety.
Last updated: April 23, 2018