CUSTER, S.D. – The Black Hills National Forest is planning to conduct two separate prescribed fires this week, weather dependent. The objectives of both fires are to enhance wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuel loads.
The Mystic Ranger District is planning to conduct the Long Draw prescribed fire project on Nov. 13-16. The Long Draw project area is located approximately 5 miles west of Hill City, SD.
The Hell Canyon Ranger District is planning to conduct the Witch prescribed fire project on Nov. 14 and 15. The Witch Project area is located approximately 3 miles southwest of Pringle, SD. Alternative funding sources were provided for this project by grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The objectives for both fires are to improve the forage for big game wildlife, restore the open forest conditions that are dominated by ponderosa pine, and decrease the amount of fuel on the ground. By removing trees that are encroaching on meadows, the native plants in these areas are preserved and it also provides food for the wildlife.
