According to Tim Buskirk, Pine Ridge District Ranger, “The two main objectives for the Gobbler prescribed fire are to reduce hazardous fuels and the pine encroachment in natural meadows.”
Fire is vital to maintain healthy forest and grasslands ecosystems. Prescribed treatments mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing plant diversity.
Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. “We’ve done a lot of work ahead of time to ensure control lines and resources are in place to safely and efficiently conduct this project,” Buskirk said.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 385 and 20 and from the communities of Chadron, Hay Springs, and Crawford Nebraska.
For more information, please contact the Pine Ridge Ranger District at 308-432-0300 or visit the office at 125 N. Main Street in Chadron, Nebraska.
