20-14-CWS | February 27, 2020
BILOXI, Miss. – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will conduct a prescribed burn on the Ansley Unit of the Hancock County Marsh Preserve on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020.
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.
The burn will take place on an 80-acre section adjacent to Ansley Road.
This portion of the preserve will be closed to the public during the burn and MDMR officials are encouraging residents and tourists to stay out of the area for at least a week because dead trees and debris may continue to 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.
Photos courtesy 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.
