Ocean Springs, Miss. - Gulf Islands National Seashore officials announced plans to conduct small controlled burns within the Davis Bayou Area near Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The planned burns are scheduled to be conducted between early February and early March.
Longleaf pine in the Davis Bayou Area depend on regular fire to maintain this ecosystem type, which is important for several species. The national seashore has developed small burn blocks, to mitigate potential community impacts. Ground ignition will be used to limit smoke and help provide maximum control of the burn areas.
Recent wildland fire seasons have been extreme, serving as a reminder that fire is a natural process and proactive measures can diminish the possibility or prevent wildfires from spreading. Introducing fire into the system, through the seashore’s prescribed fire program can help curtail the risk to life, property, and resources in the event of a wildfire caused by a lightning strike or incidental human causes. Beyond preventative measures, fire can benefit wildlife and their habitat.
The controlled burns will take place only if the proper personnel are present and specific conditions are met. The exact date and time for the prescribed burns will depend upon many factors, such as wind and humidity. Once a date for the prescribed burn is selected, an additional press release will be issued, and the park’s website will be updated. Burning will most likely begin around 10 a.m. and end by around 4 p.m. on the day(s) of the burn(s).
This season’s prescribed burning is funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) to Mississippi. Learn more about the GEBF in Mississippi by visiting https://www.nfwf.org/gulf-environmental-benefit-fund.
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/GulfIslands, on Facebook www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/GulfIslandsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/GulfIslandsNPS.
-NPS-
Tags: wildland fire prescribed burn mississippi davis bayou
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
