This spring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Northeast Regional Fire Program will begin prescribed fire procedures in New England. The southern half of Falkner Island is scheduled to be treated April 3 – 5, 2019. Falkner Island is located in Long Island Sound three nautical miles off the coast of Guilford, CT. The purpose of this prescribed fire is to modify habitat to support conservation efforts for the 6,000 common terns and the 70 federally endangered roseate terns that nest on the island. Up to 5 acres of the island will be treated, south of the research station and lighthouse.

This prescribed burn will be accomplished by a group of trained wildland firefighters from the Service’s Fire Program.  Controlled burns are planned to occur under a tight set of prescribed conditions which minimize impacts to wildlife and the public. There will be visible smoke from the island.

Image via Google Maps