Prescribed Burn To Mitigate Wildfire Risk Is A 'Go' At Ward Pound Ridge

CROSS RIVER, NY — Mother Nature is cooperating and officials will go ahead with a prescribed burn scheduled for tomorrow.

The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation will have the prescribed burn at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, in partnership with Star Tree Prescribed Fire.

Goals of the burn include revitalization of meadow flora and fauna, reduction of fuel load in meadows to prevent wildfires, reduction of woody invasive species pressure, training opportunities for emergency services, and public education, Westchester County officials said.

"Westchester County Parks' Conservation Division are leaders in the space and often demonstrate cutting edge initiatives and this prescribed burn is no different," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "This opportunity, in partnership with Star Tree Prescribed Fire LLC, serves as an educational opportunity to other land managers while at the same time providing benefits to the environment."

The prescribed burn will happen under a controlled environment with Star Tree Prescribed Fire conducting the burn with the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, Pound Ridge and South Salem Fire Departments on site.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation will be closed to the public the day of the burn and open only to previously booked program participants and campers, who will be able to access the park only from Rt. 124 and will be kept far from the activity, according to officials.

"This project showcases the expertise and dedication of our Conservation Division," Parks Commissioner Kathy O'Connor said. "Through careful planning and collaboration, we're able to use the prescribed burn as a natural management tool to sustain healthy habitats."

Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear noted that local firefighters and DES Fire Division personnel will be on hand to monitor the burn and ensure public safety.

"This well-planned, prescribed burn serves as both a wildfire prevention mechanism and a benefit for the park's natural habitat," Spear said. "DES appreciates the innovative leadership of County Executive Jenkins and Westchester County Parks in organizing the prescribed burn. DES Fire Prevention and Communications Division members will also be using the event as a training opportunity in partnership with the local Fire Departments."

Up-to-date information will be posted on the Westchester County Parks website.

Funding for the project was provided by the Friends of Trailside Nature Museum and Ward Pound Reservation, and is contracted by the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management using funds from the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.