(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.)

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is planning a series of hazardous fuels reduction fire break projects. The reduction of hazardous fuels on new and established fire breaks is a significant preventative management tool for managing wildfire near structures and communities. These projects are done to protect life and property and enhance the safety of firefighters and their ability to manage fire within the refuge. The project is planned to start August 2023 with expected completion by March 2024.

Hazardous fuels reduction projects take place in strategic locations within Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. The project will take place within the refuge boundary buffering private land. Work will include removing dead trees, the lower limbs of remaining trees, dead and down logs and ladder fuels which can carry a fire burning in low-growing vegetation to surrounding taller vegetation. Resulting larger woody materials will be piled on site to be later hauled off refuge. Smaller woody material will be chipped on site.

Fuels reduction fire break projects cannot be a stand-alone defense against wildfire. It is advisable that additional fuels reduction be completed on private property to meet Firewise mitigation and Hardening Your Home efforts. To learn more about how to protect your home and help firefighters, please visit: NFPA.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire.