19-74-CWS | November 16, 2019
BILOXI, Miss. – Contractors of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will conduct a prescribed burn on the Delisle Unit of the Wolf River Preserve on Saturday, November 16, 2019.
Depending on weather conditions, the burn will begin around noon and last up to six hours; however, some of the trees could smolder for much longer. The burn will take place on a 180-acre section on the central portion of the preserve.
The preserve will be closed to the public during the burn and DMR officials are encouraging residents and tourists to stay out of the area for at least a week because dead trees and debris may continue smolder and give way after the burn is complete.
The prescribed fire will help remove heavy fuel loads from the ground, promote a healthy understory for wildlife habitat, and function as a site prep aid for tree plantings and restoration efforts. The fire will also aid with the removal of invasive species such as Chinese Tallow, as well as increase access to infested areas for additional treatment.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.
