GAME COMMISSION POSTPONES UNTIL 2010 PRESCRIBED BURN PLANS FOR SGL 176
With the window of opportunity set to close May 8, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced the agency is postponing until 2010 plans to conduct a controlled burn on the Scotia Barrens on State Game Land 176 in Patton Township, Centre County.
In a briefing held on SGL 176 on March 6, agency officials announced, if weather conditions cooperated, that a one-day controlled burn would be conducted on a designated 95-acre parcel sometime between April 6 and May 8 to improve wildlife habitat in this unique ecosystem. Agency officials also explained how the planned prescribed burn would have reduced the possibility of an uncontrolled wildfire impacting the surrounding developed communities.
"While there is one day left until May 8, the existing moisture content would make it too difficult to maintain the burn," said Bill Capouillez, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management director. "There were several days during the window in which we had hoped to hold the burn, but either weather conditions were not cooperative or wildfires in other parts of the state diverted fire suppression resources.
"However, all of the work invested in preparing for this year's use of prescribed fire will enable us to be ready earlier in the 2010 season."
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=176522
