GREEN RIVER REGION — Conservation teams completed a 115-acre prescribed burn last week at the Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area, targeting overgrown brush to revitalize local ecosystems.
The late-growing-season burn was designed specifically to combat woody encroachment—where aggressive shrubs and trees take over open spaces—and to foster the growth of early successional habitats. These dynamic landscapes provide critical food sources, nesting grounds, and cover for a wide array of native wildlife species, including grassland birds and pollinators.
Land managers utilize controlled burns to mimic natural ecological disturbances, clearing accumulated leaf litter and dead vegetation while returning essential nutrients to the soil. This proactive management helps restore native grasses and wildflowers, ensuring the long-term health and biodiversity of the wildlife management area.