The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that fire management crews are starting to perform prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout the state where local conditions can provide a safe and effective burn.
DNR crews will be burning cattail marshes, wetlands, prairies and oak/pine barrens to clear the buildup of dead vegetation and to open waterways for waterfowl to feed and nest. By burning in winter, staff take advantage of wet conditions, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh and barren burns.
Winter burns mark the beginning of the fire management season for DNR crews. Additional windows of opportunity for prescribed burning will continue through spring and open again in late summer and fall (mid-July through November).