Northwest Sands Blocks B, D & J

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PRESCRIBED BURNS AT MOQUAH BARRENS THIS WEEK

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns at Moquah Barrens north of Ino, Wis., this week beginning Wednesday.

Fire specialists will be burning approximately 3000 acres over multiple days in three separate units to reduce hazardous fuel loads, encroaching shrubs and trees,

These specialists are highly trained and the burns are only implemented after careful planning and coordination.

The three areas that will be burned are in different parts of the Moquah Barrens. The first area is near the Bladder Lake Campground along Forest Roads 244, 849 and 241. The second is along Forest Road 248 and Forest Road 423 and the third along Forest Road 242 and 236, north of Ino.

Smoke from these burns can be visible from great distances and can sometimes impact visibility in the nearby communities. Fire personnel will be onsite monitoring the burn and smoke throughout the week.

The prescribed burns are being conducted by the Forest Service with assistance from other federal, state and local partners. The burns will include helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, wildland fire engines, fire fighters, tools and equipment.

Prescribed fire is one of the management techniques that the Forest Service uses to restore the unique pine barrens ecosystem at Moquah Barrens. This ecosystem has evolved naturally over time with fire being the key component in maintaining its biological integrity. Pine barrens are a type of savannah that includes large open areas, scattered trees and a diversity of grasses and wildflowers.

For more information about the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CNNF002 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNNF002.