News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
May 20, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Bryan Nowell, Forest Ranger: (603) 271-2217
Linda Verville, Fish & Game: (603) 271-2461	
Liza Poinier, Fish & Game: (603) 271-3211
May 20, 2005 

     PRESCRIBED BURN IN CONCORD AIRPORT AREA TO IMPROVE WILDLIFE 
HABITAT

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire Fish and Game and the N.H. Department of 
Resources and Economic Development Division of Forests and Lands, with 
support from the N.H. Army National Guard, US Fish and Wildlife 
Service, and City of Concord, will be conducting a "prescribed burn" in areas 
on and near Concord Municipal Airport grounds. The prescribed burn is 
likely to take place the week of May 23, 2005; the date will be 
finalized when the weather and atmospheric conditions are seen to be safe. 

Prescribed burning, which is highly controlled and conducted by trained 
professionals, is an indispensable tool for safely managing the pine 
barren forests in the Concord community. While rare species are 
associated with both early and late successional stages of the Concord Pine 
Barrens, the most critically imperiled species occur in the grassy opening 
stage. Fire is a tool used in restoring or converting habitat 
conditions that are capable of supporting rare and important wildlife, including 
the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly -- New Hampshire's 
official state butterfly. The fire will also reduce dangerous accumulations 
of wood that could result in wild, unmanageable fires if left 
unchecked. The prescribed burn will take place within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service's Karner Blue Butterfly Conservation Easement (for a map of the 
burn areas, go to 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2005/News_2005_Q2/KBB_burn_052005.htm). 
The burn is allowed under a st
 ate-issued burn permit, which also serves as a smoke management permit 
(RSA 227-L17).

Precautions will be taken to limit smoke and to ensure that the 
prescribed burn stays within the distinct borders shown on the map. In 
addition, at least one fire vehicle with water tank will be available on-site 
at all times as part of the protocol to deal with any unexpected 
situations. However, neighbors should recognize that atmospheric conditions 
could change, and smoke may create temporary visibility hazards. The 
smoke poses no imminent threat to people's health or the community.

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-- 
Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.