Water Gap plans controlled burns

Bushkill — The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s fire management staff are planning several prescribed burns in the coming weeks. The areas to be burned involve approximately 50 acres of grass and woods on the east side of the Flatbrook in New Jersey and up to 100 acres of grass, shrubs, and woods on the Snyder Farm, off of US Route 209, in Pa. The first burn could take place this week; the burn prescriptions for both are dependent upon favorable weather. Because certain prescription parameters must be met, including wind speed, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and drought index, it is not possible to precisely schedule prescribed fires in advance. Prescribed fire is an approved tool for natural resource management throughout the National Park System and is part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s fire management program. The primary objectives of the prescribed fire program are: to restore and perpetuate scenic and cultural landscapes; to perpetuate native species; to reduce wildland fuel loading; and to enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed fire is always more effective than either manual or mechanical removal of fuels. Air quality and smoke impacts will be monitored and only small areas will be burned in order to keep smoke to a minimum. A total of 10 firefighters and three fire engines will be on hand throughout the period while the fire burns and will remain on scene until it is declared to be out. Assistance is being provided by firefighters from other National Park Service areas, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, and The Nature Conservancy. Copies of the prescribed fire plan are available to the public and may be obtained by contacting the Chief Ranger’s Office at 570-426-2414.