Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge to conduct prescribed burn today, April 27, 2022

Published 10:37 am Wednesday, April 27, 2022

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will conduct a prescribed burn today, April 27, 2022 at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge near the Pearl River Navigation Canal Lock and Dam No. 3. This activity will occur in 373 acres of mixed longleaf and bottomland hardwood habitat within the refuge’s Lock 3 Unit. (see map of Lock 3 Unit ).  Smoke may be observed coming off the refuge.  The purpose of this burning activity is to reduce the fuels in the forest to mitigate negative wildfire potential, reduce invasive species such as Chinese tallow, and to support a healthy longleaf pine ecosystem.  

 

The USFWS has posted signage along roads near the prescribed fire area and minimal impact to the general public is expected. Prescribed fires are carefully planned to minimize the impact of smoke and to benefit natural resources while keeping fire management crews and the public safe.    

 

The USFWS has assumed a leadership role in the use of prescribed fire to maintain and support healthy ecosystems. Prescribed fire is a cost-effective tool to help reduce the hazardous fuel load and minimize the risk of wildfires which can threaten people, fish, wildlife, and plants.   

 

For more information contact Refuge Fire Management Officer Chris LeRouge at (985) 640-3288 ) or chris_lerouge@fws.gov.    

 

USFWS Photo: Aerial map of Lock 3 Unit at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.    

 

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit  www.fws.gov/southeast.  Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws, and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast