LOCAL RESIDENTS URGED TO CONTACT ODNR FOR PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF UPCOMING PRESCRIBED BURNS AT SHAWNEE STATE FOREST

COLUMBUS, OH – In coming weeks, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry will be using prescribed burns as part of the management plan at Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County.

People living in or near the forest who want advance notice of time and location of these prescribed fires for health or other concerns are urged to call 740-858-6685 or 614-265-6694 now and leave their name and phone number.

ODNR plans to uses prescribed (controlled) burns within the forest this spring to reduce the risk of wildfires and enhance oak regeneration. Area residents are advised to consider this when planning outdoor activities in coming weeks.

The spring burning “window” when these management practices can be safely and accurately completed runs until about April 30. The exact location, date and time of each scheduled burn will depend upon weather conditions. Please take this information into account when planning outdoor activities during this time period.

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For Additional Information, Contact:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
-or-
Mike Bowden, ODNR Division of Forestry
(614) 265-1088