PIERRE, S.D. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District announces, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and local volunteer fire departments, plans to conduct several prescribed fires on USACE property around Oahe Dam in the coming weeks.
Pending favorable weather conditions, the controlled grassland burns will be conducted on several restoration sites. These burns are intended to help protect against wildfires by reducing fuel loading and promote growth of native grass and wildflower species for the benefit of wildlife. Several areas on the dam embankment will also be burned to reduce litter buildup for inspection purposes and to promote a healthy turf which will help prevent erosion.
Ignition will only occur when weather conditions such as wind, temperature, relative humidity, and smoke dispersal are within prescribed limits and an adequate number of trained wildland firefighters are available for monitoring, control, and post burn mop up. Access to burn areas will be restricted during burn operations, including extinguishing hotspots left by smoldering wood or debris. Travel on Highway 1806 and Crest Road (Highway 204) may be restricted during the embankment burn if smoke limits visibility.
For up to date information please contact natural resource specialist, Brian Korman, Brian.L.Korman@usace.army.mil, 605-945-3423, or the Oahe Project Main Office at 605-224-5862.
Release no. 21-029