WARREN — The USDA Forest Service is planning prescribed burns during the months of April and May.  

Currently the Allegheny National Forest is planning prescribed burns on 43 acres of grassland habitat at Buzzard Swamp, located on the Marienville District, and 160 acres of oak forest at Jakes Rocks, located on the Bradford District.

At Buzzard Swamp the prescribed burn will likely occur during the month of April, while at Jakes Rocks the prescribed burn will likely occur between mid-April and mid-May. No prescribed burns will be planned at Jakes Rocks on any Friday through Sunday, to accommodate use of the mountain bike trail system.

The Forest Service will issue a final community notice of prescribed burning within 24 to 48 hours prior to the burn.

Fire management staff will be monitoring daily weather forecasts and on-the-ground conditions at each location.

The Forest Service utilizes prescribed burning as a tool to enhance the regeneration of healthy forests, retain diversity of tree and plant species, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning can also be used to reduce hazardous fuels, such as the buildup of fire-prone vegetation, in a forest or grassland environment.

The Buzzard Swamp and Jakes Rocks areas have been successfully managed with prescribed burns in the past.