State plans two intentional fires to restore prairies in Thurston County
In an effort to restore prairies in Thurston County, the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting controlled burns soon.
An Aug. 15 news release from WDFW says the department will conduct the burns starting as soon as Aug. 22 in two areas of the county: the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area near Rochester, and the West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area near Tenino.
The burns are weather dependent and scheduled for up to five days through mid-October, according to the release. The areas range in size from one to 10 acres.
Bill Kronland, WDFW wildlife area manager, said in the release that portions of the wildlife areas may be closed during burn hours, and people will likely see smoke during and after the process for some time.
He said the department uses prescribed fires to maintain grassland habitats and control invasive weeds. The department works with the state Department of Natural Resources, as well as local fire districts and other agencies, to conduct the work.
According to the release, the prairies in Western Washington are one of the rarest ecosystems in the state, with less than 3% remaining. They are habitat for rare plants and animals, including birds, mammals and butterflies.
Recently the Tumwater City Council voted to approve an amendment to its municipal code to create a permitting process to allow for prescribed burning within city limits. The vote came after two private property owners asked for permission to burn to get rid of invasive and non-native plants on lands designed for conservation.
The city is working with the Port of Olympia to establish a Habitat Conservation Plan, which will likely include information on the ability to obtain a permit to conduct prescribed burning.
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