San Juan Island National Wildlife Refuge is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn to support prairie restoration efforts on Flower Island at approximately noon on Tuesday, Sept. 25. The island is northeast of Port Stanley located on Lopez Island. The approximately three-acre burn is being scheduled when weather and fuel conditions are forecast to allow for safe and successful project implementation. The burn will be conducted by personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Forest Service.

The purpose of the prescribed burn is to remove vegetation from the site to enhance Garry oak habitat and reduce non-native plants. The burn will also evaluate prescriptive parameters necessary to successfully utilize fire as a resource management tool. Smoke may be visible for a short time during the burn, however minimal smoke is anticipated due to the small size of the burn and relatively light fuels. Information on the prescribed fire will be available at the refuge headquarters.

Anyone with questions is invited to contact the refuge office at 360-457-8451.