Council members had a successful spring despite unusual weather patterns that led to an early green-up. Members also had to adhere to the new PA Prescribed Fire Standards which were enacted in Fall 2009. One of the new requirements is that plans be submitted to DCNR and DEP for review 25 days prior to the date of desired execution. Plans were submitted from 7 member agencies.
Totals by agency:
Ft. Indiantown Gap - Planned 2,300 acres; Accomplished 1,402 acres in 10 units (a wildfire in March burned 550 ac. in two units). 4 of the burns were aerial ignition using a Red Dragon PSD. The 1st aerial ignition burn in Pennsylvania was 1,105 acres on April 6.
DCNR Bureau of Forestry - 185 acres in 11 units. Resources were kept busy fighting 329 wildfires which burned 2,600 acres.
The Nature Conservancy - 7 burn days for approximately 500 acres on state game lands in cooperation with the PA Game Commission;
PA Game Commission - Several burns throughout the state. No reported totals at this time. One of their most notable burns was at Scotia (SGL 17) just outside State College, PA. Several agencies worked together to accomplish these units which had some WUI.
Natural Lands Trust - 100 acres
**If you haven't done so, please submit your totals to Todd Breininger at DCNR ASAP! This is required in the standards.
The News
