Starting this week, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will conduct controlled burns for habitat restoration at the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Unit northeast of Rochester, and the West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area Unit northwest of Tenino.
These controlled burns will take place for up to five days between the now and mid-October, depending on the weather.
The areas targeted for burns are small, varying in size from one to 10 acres.
WDFW works cooperatively with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, fire districts, and other partners, utilizing professional fire crews experienced in conducting controlled burns on public and private lands in the region.
Lowery said the department uses controlled burns to maintain native grassland habitats, also known as prairies, and control invasive weeds before seeding and planting native species.