Prescribed burn planned for Yellowtail

CODY – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is planning a prescribed burn on Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area east of Lovell this week. The prescribed burn is dependent on weather and fuel moisture and could begin as early as Thursday, Feb. 28.

In cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management and assistance from the National Park Service, Game and Fish plans to burn approximately 65 acres around Ponds 1 and 2 on Yellowtail WHMA, north of the Shoshone River. The prescribed fire will burn cattails to increase open water for the benefit of migrating waterfowl.

Smoke from the fire may be visible to motorists traveling nearby Highways 37 and 14A. During the prescribed burn, areas near the Yellowtail WHMA headquarters will be closed, as well as Ponds 1-4 and nearby parking areas.

Yellowtail WHMA is an important of stop-over point for waterfowl during spring and fall migration. Increasing open water will provide important loafing areas for migrating waterfowl. Yellowtail WHMA is located approximately six miles east of Lovell and comprises 19,214 acres. Through a cooperative agreement between the Wyoming Game & Fish Commission, National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, this area was established in the early 1960s for the primary purpose of enhancing waterfowl habitat.

~WGFD~ Cody Regional Office Calendar

2019 season setting meeting schedule:

March 18- Powell, Big Horn Federal Bank, 6-8 p.m.

March 18- Worland, Washakie Co. Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m.

March 19-Meeteetse, Conservation District office, 6-8 p.m.

March 19- Greybull, Town Hall, 6-8 p.m.

March 25-Thermopolis, Big Horn Federal Bank, 6-8 p.m.

March 25- Lovell, Fire Hall, 6-8 p.m.

March 28- Final season setting public meeting, Cody, Big Horn Federal Bank, 6-8 p.m.