Controlled burn scheduled at Ocean Lake WHMA

Controlled burn scheduled at Ocean Lake WMHA

LANDER-To increase habitat quality for waterfowl and hunting opportunities for sportsmen, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation) will perform a prescribed burn on Ponds 5 and 6 at Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area in February or March.

Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) is managed primarily for waterfowl production, and the prescribed burn is part of a cattail management plan which will increase the wetland community’s productivity and health. For the previous two years, similar prescribed burns were performed on Ponds 1, 2 and 5 for cattail management.  These burns improve waterfowl habitat by removing old vegetation, increasing plant diversity and providing nutrient rich forage for waterfowl and shorebirds.

Pond vegetation at Ocean lake WHMA is composed almost entirely of cattails, and cattail encroachment has reduced open water area available for waterfowl nesting and foraging. Following burning, cattail densities will be reduced to approximately 30 percent of current levels which will result in increased vegetative diversity and forage availability. 

The burn will create smoke visible for miles, including the town of Riverton. Residents should expect temporary smoke in the vicinity of the burn, and some roads within Ocean Lake WHMA may be closed for fire use and public safety. The prescribed burn at Ponds 5 and 6 is anticipated to take one to two days to complete. Dates will be subject to weather conditions.

For further questions, please call Derek Lemon or Rene Schell at 307-332-2688.

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