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Prescribed Burns to Begin on Mark Twain National Forest

Rolla, Mo. –Mark Twain National Forest will conduct prescribed burns in southern Missouri over the next several months.  The purpose of these burns is to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. 

 “People living in and near the forest may notice smoke and an increase in Forest Service personnel and equipment on County and Forest Service roads,” said Jody Eberly, Mark Twain National Forest’s fire management officer. “If smoke is in the area, look for prescribed burn signs; keep lights on low beam, and drive slow.”

Persons with smoke sensitivities may contact their nearest ranger district and ask to be notified of upcoming burns.

“Public safety is always our primary concern,” Eberly said. “Prescribed burns are conducted when the conditions indicate that there will be minimal impact to the public.  We work hard to mitigate significant smoke impacts on a community.” 

Many conditions must be met before a prescribed fire can be ignited.  The day chosen must be a combination of correct humidity, wind speed and direction; temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric conditions.  Factoring all these requirements limits the number of days in which a prescribed fire can take place.

Trained and experienced crews direct and conduct each prescribed burn.

“Fire is an essential force that has shaped ecosystems in the state,” said Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend. “Past experience, and fire history research indicate that carefully planned prescribed fires
can serve as an effective tool in restoring forest health.”

For the next several years, there will be an increase in fuels on the forest floor as a result of the January 2009 ice storm and May 2009 windstorm. 

“Prescribed fire will help to decrease the potential for serious wildfires by reducing the amounts of combustible fuel loads created by these natural weather events,” said Whittekiend.

Mark Twain National Forest will notify local media outlets on days when prescribed fires are scheduled.  Weekly updates on prescribed fires across the forest can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/ or by calling 1-866-800-8595.

“We are committed to keeping communities informed about prescribed fire activities and the benefits of maintaining the health of Missouri’s National Forest,” said Whittekiend. 

For more information, please call your local district office, or Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor's Office at (573)364-4621. Also visit Mark Twain National Forest’s website at  http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain

Mark Twain National Forest continues to restore Missouri’s natural communities and maintains a healthy, working forest.

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The Mark Twain National Forest is located in Missouri.

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