Drivers shouldn't panic if they see what appear to be wildfires in the Brusky Wildlife Area in Kewaunee County or the Red Banks Alvar State Natural Area near Green Bay. They may be part of a Department of Natural Resources effort to aid native plants and wildlife. The DNR will be conducting prescribed burns on those public lands and others starting this month. Fire crews will be making their presence seen during the controlled fires. Prescribed Fire Specialist Michele Witecha says public health and safety will be the top priorities.
Witecha says the prescribed burns are an effective way to remove thick, dead vegetation. That aids the growth of native plants that serve as food and habitat for wildlife.
Residents can get advance notice of the dates of local prescribed burns by logging onto https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/restrictions.asp and use the “Show” pull-down menu to find scheduled burns.
(photo courtesy of Wisconsin DNR)