SEQUIM — A prescribed burn is planned on Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, perhaps as early as today.
Smoke may be visible for a short time during the burn, but minimal smoke is anticipated due to the small size of the burn, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release.
“The 25-acre burn is tentatively scheduled for June 25 but may occur any time through July when weather and fuel conditions allow for safe and successful project implementation,” the release said.
The burn will be conducted by personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The stated purpose of the prescribed burn is to remove non-native vegetation from the site to prepare for restoration of native coastal prairie habitat.
“The burn also will evaluate prescriptive parameters necessary to successfully utilize fire as a resource management tool,” the release said.
Information on the prescribed fire will be available at the refuge headquarters and local information stations and overlooks. Anyone with questions are invited to contact the refuge office at 360-457-8451.
