It looks like spring is coming quickly despite the big snows and long winter. Once again, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in partnership with State Forestry is planning to burn the Gerstle and Panoramic fields (between Mile 1408 and 1393 Alaska Highway) in spring 2021. The intent of using prescribed fire in this area is to enhance habitat for bison, although moose and grouse will also benefit.
Because the snow is melting quickly managers will be ready to go into the field very soon. Firefighters from State Forestry along with Red Carded staff from ADF&G will use drip torches to ignite the fields. In past years, crews have only had two days maximum to conduct these burns. With so little time between snow melt and green up, crews must act fast to burn a few hundred acres each year.