Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge to conduct prescribed burn

Ruby Valley, Nev. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.

Learn more about prescribed burn , weather dependent, the week of December 2 at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge on Unit 14 of the marsh to improve habitat conditions. The northern boundary of Unit 14 begins roughly across from refuge headquarters and continues south for approximately 0.8 miles. The unit is bound to the east by the Auto Tour Road and to the west by the Collection Ditch.

Prescribed burning activities should have little impact on public use areas on the refuge, however, the Auto Tour Road will be closed during the day of the burn and may be closed the day after. Temporary closures will be signed, and information will be available at refuge headquarters. Smoke may be present for a few days following the fire as organic matter smolders.

Prescribed fire is a management technique used to improve wildlife habitat, wetland health and to reduce the damaging impacts from catastrophic wildfire. Burning will only occur when weather conditions and smoke dispersion are favorable.  For more information, please contact refuge headquarters, at 775-779-2237. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/cno/ or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.

-FWS-