The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Wildland Fire Division and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Division will be conducting a prescribed burn on the Pleasant Valley Game Production Area on Thursday, March 10, 2016. This burn will take place four miles west and ten miles south of Custer.
Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 244 acres. This prescribed burn is being conducted to reduce pine regeneration and encroachment and to improve elk habitat. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas, and can linger for several days after ignition has been completed. Fire crews will secure, patrol and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety.
Prescribed fire is utilized to maintain healthy native vegetation and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species. Fire also reduces the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation which can fuel wildfires.
Resources from SD Wildland Fire, SD Game, Fish and Parks, Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest will participate.