The US Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and local volunteer fire departments, plan to conduct prescribed burns on Corps 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 load and promoting 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 healthy turf which helps 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.
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