Prescribed Fires Scheduled For San Juan Island NHP

A prescribed fire in 2014 on Young Hill – Contributed photo

San Juan Island National Historical Park is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn on Young Hill, beginning Wednesday, September 14, 2016, through Friday, September 16, 2016, announces Park Superintendent Elexis Fredy.

The prescribed fire units scheduled to burn will cover approximately 10-30 acres, provided that weather and fuel conditions allow for safe and successful project implementation. These burns are part of the National Park Service’s continued effort to reduce hazard fuel accumulations and restore Garry oak woodlands in the Young Hill area.

“Reducing the fuel levels will help protect park resources and nearby private property and aid in restoring desired conditions within the park,” Fredy said. “Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality and other environmental conditions are continually monitored as part of any fire management operation, so islanders and visitors can be assured that caution and care will be paramount.”

No road closures are anticipated; however, some trails will be closed due to fire activity, particularly those segments around the base of Young Hill and the entire west-facing slope. Park users are advised to keep a safe distance from fire activity at all times, observe cautionary signage during and post-burning, and resist the urge to stop along the roadway or enter the area while burn operations are being conducted.

Information on the prescribed fires will be available at park information stations and at the headquarters office located in Friday Harbor.

Anyone with questions is invited to contact the park Superintendent at 360-378-2240 ext. 2223 or [email protected]. For more information visit the park website, www.nps.gov/sajh, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/camppickett.

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