BENEZETTE TOWNSHIP – Two prescribed fires were completed on the Elk State Forest in Benezette Township, Elk County, this spring.
The fires were in close proximity to one another and each within woven wire fences – Swackhammer East and West.
The first prescribed fire occurred on April 29 and was 43 acres. The second prescribed fire occurred on May 1 and was 33 acres.
Both of these prescribed fires were done to increase sunlight and stimulate oak and other species to regenerate, as well as to reduce the fuel load, control competing vegetation and for staff training.
The fires began at approximately 10 a.m. and were completed at 3:30 p.m. Staff from the Elk and Susquehannock State Forest assisted on this project.