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MDMR to conduct prescribed burn April 21 on Deer Island

21-12-CWS | April 19, 2021

BILOXI, Miss. – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources are planning to conduct a prescribed burn on a 134-acre section in the central portion of Deer Island on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

 

Depending on weather conditions, the burn will begin between 10 a.m. and noon and last up to six hours; however, some of the trees could smolder for much longer.

 

This portion of the island will be closed to the public during the burn and DMR officials are encouraging residents and tourists to stay off this part of Deer Island for at least a week because dead trees will continue to give way and fall after the burn is complete.

 

The prescribed fire will help thin an overpopulation of dense trees, remove heavy fuel loads from the ground, promote a healthy understory for wildlife habitat and aid in the removal of debris from Hurricane Zeta. The fire will also aid with the removal of invasive species such as Chinese Tallow and Cogon grass, as well as increase access to infested areas for additional treatment.

 

Photos courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

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.

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