PIEDMONT, Mo. – When conditions are right this spring, personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers Clearwater Lake Project Office will conduct prescribed burns on public land surrounding Clearwater Lake. The target location for the next burn is Corps owned property in the Black River Watchable Wildlife Area, south of Highway HH near the project office and is set for April 3 if conditions are favorable. Keep in mind these burns could occur after this date should conditions not be favorable on the target date.
Areas to be burned are local timber stands. The burning will reduce wildfire fuel loads by removing debris such as leaf litter, treetops, and limbs and it improves stand health.
Controlled burns also improve habitat for wildlife by promoting vigorous growth of non-woody vegetation and grasses which are important to wildlife for food and protective cover.
Periodic burns helps in the regeneration of desirable tree species such as oaks and economically valuable pine. While efforts are always made for smoke control, and especially with burns near roadways, always remember to slow down and never drive into smoke that impedes visibility.
Release no. 19-017