Prescribed Burns Conducted Across New York to Improve Habitat and Prevent Wildfires

In a coordinated effort to promote healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of wildfires, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, alongside a range of partners, conducted a series of prescribed burns across multiple counties this spring.

Prescribed burns—also known as controlled burns—are intentionally set and carefully managed fires that serve critical ecological and safety functions. These burns help to restore and maintain wildlife habitats, control invasive species, and reduce the buildup of hazardous fuels such as dead timber and underbrush that can contribute to large-scale wildfires.

Even during the statewide annual ban on residential brush burning, DEC continues to carry out these carefully regulated burns under strict conditions to meet land management goals.

Here’s a summary of the recent prescribed burns conducted across the state:

• Albany County (April 28): Nearly 15 acres of the Louise E. Keir Wildlife Management Area in Coeymans were burned by Forest Rangers and staff from DEC’s Divisions of Lands and Forests and Fish and Wildlife.

• Schuyler County (April 28): A nine-acre prescribed burn was carried out on Coon Hollow State Forest with assistance from DEC staff, Fire Wardens, and volunteers.

• Suffolk County (April 28): A 16.5-acre prescribed burn took place on the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest in collaboration with Brookhaven National Lab, Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, and The Nature Conservancy.

• Albany Pine Bush (April 28 & May 1): Over two days, DEC and Albany Pine Bush staff conducted prescribed burns on a total of 51 acres to maintain this rare inland pine barrens ecosystem.

• Suffolk County – Rocky Point (April 29–May 1): More than 44 acres were burned at the Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area in Brookhaven through a joint operation including Forest Rangers, DEC divisions, and local partners.

• Chemung County (April 30): Nearly 10 acres were burned at the USDA Plant and Material Center in Big Flats with cooperation from DEC staff, USDA officials, Fire Wardens, and volunteers.

DEC emphasizes that prescribed burns are conducted only when weather and site conditions are ideal to ensure public safety and effectiveness. Each operation is part of a broader strategy to manage and preserve New York’s diverse natural landscapes.

These efforts highlight the ongoing commitment of state agencies and partner organizations to maintaining healthy forests and reducing the risk of destructive wildfires in the face of a changing climate.

Louise E Keir Wildlife Management Area prescribed burn (Albany County)

Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn (Albany County)