Prescribed burn on Iroquois National
Wildlife refuge planned

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge plans to conduct prescribed burns during the months of February, March, April, May, October, November and December. The goal this year is to burn a total of 150 acres within six grassland fields and one emergent (cattail) marsh. The result will be enhanced grassland nesting cover and marsh habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Each burn should take approximately two to six hours to complete and will pose no threat to visitors or neighbors.

In prescribed burns, fire becomes a management tool. Fire removes accumulated fuel loads thus reducing the risk of wildfire. Fire improves refuge habitats for wildlife by removing invading plants that compete for light and nutrients. Fire removes part of the plant litter, or duff layer and exposes the soil to sunlight so that seeds may germinate and grow. At the same time, it releases nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil to nourish the new plants.

Specific dates cannot be announced in advance, however, law enforcement and other emergency agencies will be notified on the day of the bur. Before a burn can take place, specific weather and site conditions, including wind direction and speed, humidity, air temperature, and fuel moisture must be present.