PRESCRIBED FIRE SCHEDULED

Walker Native Landscaping
PRESCRIBED FIRE SCHEDULED

Walker, MN: April 5, 2024 – Chippewa National Forest fire crews plan to conduct a prescribed burn at the combined USDA Forest Service Walker District and the Walker Chamber of Commerce office within the Walker city limits, starting as early as Monday April 8, 2024. Exact date(s) of operations are dependent on current and forecasted local weather conditions.

Regular disturbance is needed every 5 years, ideally in the form of fire, to improve the vibrance of the landscaping, reinvigorate growth of a variety of prairie flowers and grasses, and reduce competition of invasive weeds and woody plant such as shrubs and small trees. The Walker native landscape is overdue for its next burn as the last successful burning of the native landscape were in the springs of 2016 and 2017.

The controlled burn will be conducted in small parcels to limit smoke production but residents in the area may still be able to smell drift smoke (not unlike a campfire). The smoke should lift and dissipate quickly. We expect no smoke damage to private residences or property, impacts to roadways, local tourism, or business activity.

The likelihood of prescribed fire leaving the small burn areas is extremely low. The forested area between the District/Chamber office and the private property on Summit Avenue will be significantly moist from recent precipitation and a north facing slope that will limit fire spread. The Forest Service will have ample fire personnel and equipment on scene to effectively manage the prescribed burn. Prescribed fires are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre- determined management goals. National Forest fire staff follow strict guidelines for conducting prescribed burns, and take into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind. If any environmental conditions are not within limits, the operations will be postponed.

Please direct questions about the prescribed fire to the Walker Ranger District (218) 547-3260.