BLM to conduct prescribed burn to benefit Warner Wetlands wildlife
LAKEVIEW, Ore.—The Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District, in coordination with the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, will conduct a prescribed burn at the Warner Wetlands, approximately five miles northeast of Plush, Oregon. If weather and fuel moisture conditions allow, operations are set begin in mid‑to‑late January. The project will treat roughly 1,370 acres of land administered by the BLM to improve habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
The primary goal of the prescribed burn is to reduce dense stands of cattails and dead vegetation that has accumulated around the wetlands. Fire is one of the most effective tools for removing these decadent fuels and maintaining healthy wetland conditions. Targeted areas within the wetlands are treated every five to ten years to support more than 150 bird species that rely on the area throughout the year.
“Carefully planned burns like this help ensure the Warner Wetlands remain a vibrant, thriving stopover for migrating birds,” said Matt Haskins, Prescribed Fire Specialist. “This work supports the long‑term health of the ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it.”
Smoke may be visible during the burn, especially during the warmest part of the day. As temperatures cool in the evening, smoke may settle into low‑lying areas. The BLM asks the public to avoid stopping or gathering along nearby roadways, as this can interfere with fire crews and emergency vehicles working on the operation.
Formed thousands of years ago by shifting geologic faults, the Warner Wetlands stretch across a 40‑mile chain of lakes bordered by distinctive bow‑shaped dunes. Each spring and fall, thousands of migrating birds depend on this habitat as a critical stopover during their annual migration.
To view planned and active BLM burns across Oregon and Washington, visit Prescribed Fire | Bureau of Land Management.
For more information, please contact Matt Haskins, Prescribed Fire Specialist, at 541‑947‑6117 or [email protected].
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.