April 1, 2015 --
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Natural Resources Section is currently conducting prescribed/controlled burning aboard the base.
Winter prescribed burning will conclude in April, according to Julie Robbins, natural resource manager, Environmental Branch, Installation and Environment Division, MCLB Albany. Additionally about 30 acres will be burned in June to promote seed production of wiregrass and other native plants.
Personnel sensitive to smoke should avoid areas being burned and minimize time spent outdoors when smoke is present, according Robbins.
Those who work or live on base should be aware that other land owners outside of MCLB Albany also conduct prescribed burns, and smoke generated off base should be expected throughout the upcoming burn season.
Robbins said prescribed or control burns are an integral part of managing forests in Southwest Georgia.
“Burning accomplishes multiple objectives including reducing fuel loads to mitigate wildfires, improves habitat for wildlife and reduces populations of undesirable plants and insects,” she said. “Generally, 15-20 days of actual burning is needed to accomplish the mission of burning 50 percent of the timber stands throughout the base.”
There are more than 700 acres of forest scheduled to be burned and the average area burned on a typical day is 30-40 acres, Robbins added.
Burning will only be done on days with favorable weather conditions, according to Al Belanger, game warden, Environmental Branch, I & E Div., MCLB Albany.
“Periodic burning creates conditions favorable to wildlife species, such as deer, dove and quail by improving the quality and quantity of browse and cover,” Belanger said. “Habitat preferences of several rare, threatened or endangered species, including the gopher tortoise and Bachman’s sparrow are also enhanced by burning.”
For more information, call 229-639-9946.