Prescribed burns planned at Naval Live Oak Reserve
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced that the park plans to conduct up to five prescribed burns within the Naval Live Oaks Area of the Seashore through early April . Four of the burn blocks targeted are within the middle interior portion of Naval Live Oaks on the north of Highway 98 and one on the west boundary north of the Andrew Jackson Trail. These five blocks comprise an area of approximately 260 acres and most were previously burned between 1999 and 2003.

When conditions are right, and the proper fire management support personnel are present, the burns will be conducted. The exact date and time for the prescribed burns will be primarily dependent upon weather factors. Park officials are extremely concerned about safety and smoke management issues, as well as the welfare of our neighbors. As such, a prescribed burn will only be conducted if the correct wind direction and dispersion factors are present. Park officials expect that due to humidity levels, burning will most likely begin around 10 a.m. and end by around 4 p.m. on the day(s) of the burn. Once a date for the prescribed burn is selected, information will be further disseminated through the local news media and Park neighbors will be contacted.

For additional information, contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934- 2600, or by email at GUIS_Resource Management@nps.gov.