Beaver, WV (WOAY) Fire managers at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are planning a prescribed burn in the Grandview area this month.
Crews expect to burn about 37 acres near the Grandview visitor center sometime between now and March 31.
The exact date will depend on weather conditions, including wind speed, wind direction, and humidity.
The burn area is located east of I-64, about five miles from exit 129, and the operation is expected to take several hours to complete.
Officials say the planned fire is designed to keep the field from turning into a closed canopy forest, helping protect declining grassland bird species.
Prescribed burns also promote the growth of tall grasses that are important for nesting birds.
Park officials say the fire will only move forward if conditions are safe for people, property and wildlife.
They do not expect any impact to traffic along Raleigh County Road 9 North, which leads to Grandview.
For more information, you can contact Park Fire Management Staff at 304-465-6529
