Prescribed Fire Planned At Oak Mountain State Park

PELHAM, AL — Prescribed burns of two longleaf pine tree zones at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham are planned for this month, weather permitting. The burns will take place in two locations within the park: approximately 168 acres near the upper fishing lakes and approximately 130 acres near the campground.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said every effort will be made to ensure proper smoke management and safety of the surrounding areas during the burn period. As well, the Pelham Fire Department has been notified and will be on standby if needed.

The longleaf management program at Oak Mountain is a partnership between Alabama State Parks, the Alabama Forestry Commission and The Nature Conservancy in Alabama. TNC will provide trained personnel, ATV equipment and logistics expertise to assist with the controlled burns.

“We are proud to partner with Alabama State Parks and the Alabama Forestry Commission to protect and preserve Alabama’s great natural places,” said Keith Tassin, Director of Conservation for TNC in Alabama. “Oak Mountain is one of our state’s iconic landscapes and these controlled burns will help maintain this land as a healthy ecosystem for its native species and visitors to this incredible longleaf pine forest.”

Prescribed fire is an effective way to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, and maintain a healthy forest ecosystem, according to the ADCNR.