NEW PALTZ - The Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership announced plans to open the 2008 window for prescribed burns, entering the fourth season of this ecologically beneficial practice in the Shawangunk region. To occur between March 31 and December 15, controlled burns are planned for up to 12 approved burn sites totaling 90 acres, including fields at Spring Farm and Glory Hill at the Mohonk Preserve.

Prescribed fires are set safely and intentionally under predetermined conditions to achieve land management objectives, and are not set unless all of the required conditions, including moisture levels and wind, are met.

Prescribed fires are often conducted in the Shawangunks in the fall and spring by experienced crews with prescribed burn training, who work closely with meteorologists and other scientists to determine when conditions are right for a burn to take place. This year, the Partnership hopes to conduct burns in several areas during the summer, or “growing season,” when the tree saplings that compromise ecologically important grassland areas are most vulnerable to fire.

“Since we started the prescribed fire program, the Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership team has had extensive training and become increasingly knowledgeable, cohesive, and effective,” says Cara Lee, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Shawangunk Ridge Program.  “In 2008, we will continue to restore grassland areas that provide important bird habitat, as well as starting to use controlled fire in wooded areas that would benefit from fire management.”   

To date, more than 40 acres in nine fields have been burned in the Shawangunks to achieve dual goals: reducing the likelihood that intense wildfires will occur and restoring habitat for birds and other wildlife.