Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest. Image courtesy: WXPR Radio
CHEQUAMEGON, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Crews with the U.S. Forest Service headed to the Riley Lake Wildlife Area Monday to burn about 209 acres of vegetation.
They say it will improve the habitat for wildlife, especially sharp-tailed grouse. “Sharp-tailed grouse love that area between prairies and woodland, and we have about five populations left in Wisconsin and they’re all here in the North,” said wildlife biologist Ken Pemble.
Officials say the burn benefits plenty of others, like butterflies, wild turkeys and nesting cranes. It also helps prevent fuel for wildfires. “That kind of determines our seasonality, whether we want to burn in the spring, summer or fall, and the intensity of the burn, whether we want it to be really dry or some wetter conditions,” said fuels technician David Sloan.
In partnership with groups like the Lac du Flambeau tribe, Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society and Wild Turkey Federation, officials say conducting these burns keeps the area accessible for visitors with a variety of interests. “The key to wildlife management is not throwing away any of the parts. We try to keep every species on the landscape that was here originally,” Pemble said.
After Monday, officials said they are done with burns in that area for the year.
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