WDFW plans prescribed fire on Cowlitz Wildlife Area in Lewis County

RIDGEFIELD – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) plans to conduct prescribed burns to improve habitat conditions on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area in Lewis County beginning as early as Oct. 23.

The burns are scheduled for the Davis Lake Unit on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area east of Morton. Weather permitting, operations will target two small forage areas, ranging from 15 to 25 acres, and occur on consecutive days, with monitoring occurring after the burns are complete.

Access to certain areas of the wildlife area unit may be restricted during the burns for public safety. Signs will be posted to alert the public of active burn operations. While smoke may be visible, efforts will be made to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding areas.

Prescribed fires are a habitat stewardship practice that land managers use to improve wildlife habitat, reduce invasive species, encourage plant community diversity, and promote the growth of native species. Prescribed fires are continuously monitored until extinguished.

WDFW works cooperatively with Washington Department of Natural Resources, fire districts, and other partners while utilizing professional fire crews that are experienced in conducting prescribed burns on public and private lands in southwest Washington.

The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is comprised of approximately 14,000 acres in eight units owned by Tacoma Power. This area is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for the Mayfield and Mossyrock dams along the Cowlitz River.

The Davis Lake Unit is managed for black-tailed deer, elk, waterfowl, salmonids, and riparian forest habitat. The unit features several forage fields, a large pond, wetlands, and forested and shrub corridors. Visitors can often observe wintering waterfowl and elk.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people.