Controlled Burns Conducted by PA Game Commission on State Game Lands in Elk Township

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published April 25, 2018 4:22 am
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CLARION CO., Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Commission recently conducted controlled burns of several parcels of warm and cool season grasses, reverting fields and woodlands totaling approximately 183 acres.

(Photo: Burn Crew SGL 063, Clarion County)

The parcels were located on various sections of State Game Lands 063 (120 acres, Elk Township, Clarion County); State Game Lands 039 (43 acres, Victory Township, Venango County); and State Game Lands 284 (20 acres, Springfield and Washington Townships, Mercer County).

Based on the weather conditions and moisture in the ground and vegetation, the Burn Boss for each fire gave the go-ahead for these burns to proceed on April 21st, 23rd, and 22nd respectively. The objectives were to control invasive species and undesirable woody growth and rejuvenate and diversify the grass, wildflower, and mast-producing species for the benefit of wildlife and habitat. Prior to the controlled burn, each Burn Boss conducted a “test burn” to check the fire behavior and smoke dispersion patterns for the day.

During the controlled burns, access to the sites were restricted, and only people directly associated with the burns were allowed access at or near the site. Trained staff were on hand with numerous pieces of fire equipment and water resources. All necessary local fire and emergency personnel were notified in advance. As a result of the burn, the public saw smoke mainly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

In these warm and cool season grass fields, the thatch layer was too dense and the invasive species and woody growth were overtaking this critical habitat. Hopefully, these controlled burns will remove the old thatch layer and open up the ground cover to promote native growth and control the invasive species. By utilizing controlled burns in our woodlands, the Commission’s goal was to promote diverse plant communities, enhance food sources, and provide protective cover for numerous wildlife species.

For more information about controlled burns, please go to the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council website at www.paprescribedfire.org.

For more information about wildlife and habitat management, please visit the Game Commission’s website at www.pgc.pa.gov.

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