WA Department of Fish and Wildlife plan prescribed burns for Okanogan County

OKANOGAN COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will soon begin prescribed burns in Okanagan County wildlife areas.

Through the remainder of October and throughout November, WDFW will conduct pile burning across Okanogan County.

Pile burning is a type of land management where crews burn forest debris in order to reduce the risk of future wildfires.

Prescribed burns are closely monitored by professionals during conditions that favor low-intensity burning.

The upcoming WDFW will take place in the following areas:

Methow Wildlife Area – Approximately 20 piles in Okanogan County, 8 miles South of Twisp, Washington (Golden Doe Unit).Methow Wildlife Area- Approximately 20 piles in Okanogan County, 15 miles Northeast of Winthrop, Washington (Rendezvous and Ramsey Units).

Prescribed burns can also help lessen the severity of wildfires that do occur and improve wildlife habitat.

“Fire rejuvenates important browse and cover species for our wildlife including native grass and brush species favored by deer and elk, as well as various small mammals and bird species,” said WDFW Prescribed Fire Manager Matt Eberlein. “Prescribed fires provide added benefits of improved ecosystem health and resiliency, reduced wildfire intensities, and improved access for recreationists and hunters.”