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National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior |
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Gulf Islands National Seashore 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 850-934-2600
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National Park Service News Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Nina Kelson
January 27, 2009 850-934-2606
Gulf Islands National Seashore Schedules Prescribed Burns
for the Naval Live Oaks Area
Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced today that the park plans to conduct up to three prescribed burns in the Naval Live Oaks Area during the months of February through early April 2009. Two blocks are planned for the center portion of the Naval Live Oaks Area of the Seashore. The third block is on the east boundary near Villa Venyce. These three blocks comprise an area of approximately 370 acres. Superintendent Eubanks states, “The purpose of the upcoming prescribed burns is to restore habitat and reduce hazardous fuel levels which will serve to better protect the Park and local community in case of a wild fire.”
When conditions are right, and the proper personnel are present, the burns will be conducted. The exact date and time for the prescribed burns will be primarily dependent upon weather factors. The park is extremely concerned about safety and smoke management issues, as well as the welfare of our neighbors. As such, a prescribed burn will only be conducted if the correct wind direction and dispersion factors are present. Park officials expect that due to humidity levels burning will most likely begin around 10 a.m. and end by around 4:00 p.m. on the day(s) of the burn. Once a date for the prescribed burn is selected, the local news media and Park neighbors will be contacted.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, contact the Gulf Islands National Seashore Resources Management Division at (850) 916-3011, or by email at GUIS_Resource Management@nps.gov.
-NPS-