Recently, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, DEC Wildlife staff, the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Albany Pine Bush, and other DEC volunteers conducted a prescribed fire at Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest in Brookhaven.
The grassland fire helps reduce wildfire risks to nearby communities and supports DEC's ongoing efforts to stem southern pine beetle infestations. A total of 32 acres were burned.
On March 23, Forest Rangers, DEC Lands and Forest staff, and the Central Pine Barrens Commission conducted a prescribed fire in woodland burn piles in the Pine Barrens Preserve in Southampton. One acre of land was burned.