MOBILE, Ala. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District (USACE) announced today that prescribed burning of selected timber stands around West Point Lake in southwest Georgia is underway. The USACE, in conjunction with both the Alabama and Georgia Forestry Commissions, uses controlled burning to improve wildlife habitat on the public property surrounding the reservoir.
According to Ben Williams, a park ranger at West Point Lake, the prescribed burns are an important forest management tool.
“Many species and ecosystems require fire periodically to ensure their survival,” said Williams. “The overall purpose of the prescribed burns is to maintain the land’s ecological integrity as well as reduce wildfire risks on public property.”
More than 1,500 acres of public land are included in this year’s prescribed burning efforts at West Point Lake. Areas in the burn plan include: R. Shaefer Heard Campground, Crossroads Park, Holiday Campground, Whitetail Ridge Hunting Area, Autry Park Hunting Area, Indian Springs Hunting Area, Dewberry Park, Southern Pines Campground, Hardley Creek Park, Anderson Park, Amity Campground, and Oakland Road Hunting Area.
For more information on the USACE’s prescribed burning efforts at West Point Lake please contact the Project Management Office at (706) 645-2937.
Release no. 17-004