DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Forest Service (FFS) says it will set several small burns this week in the Goethe State Forest in Levy County.
The forest service says they’re doing the controlled burns to reduce fuel around roughly 500 trees where Red-cockaded woodpeckers live.
The burns will take place Wednesday, Dec. 6, through Friday, Dec. 8, starting around 10 a.m. each day.
FFS says the prescribed burns are a proactive measure to protect the birds, their cavity nests, and their habitat.
“A controlled burn around the base of the tree eliminates larger fuel sources thereby reducing higher flame heights and prolonged burning that could ignite pine sap and potentially harm the birds during prescribed burns or wildfires,” said FFS in a news release.
The forest service says the fires will produce light smoke but does not anticipate closing trails or roads in the park. However, they recommend staying away this week.
“If you are in the southern portion of Goethe State Forest this week, be prepared to encounter some smoke, fire personnel, and fire equipment. And as always, if you encounter smoke on the roads, lower your speed, turn on your low beams, and remain vigilant,” FFS said.