Burning planned in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park officials are planning a prescribed burn project about four miles northwest of Polebridge.

The burn will cover about 125 acres in the Big Prairie area before the end of September.

It’s a continuation of a project that was initiated in the spring, when about 150 acres were burned. Over the next few years, the plan is to burn a total of about 700 acres.

Firefighter and equipment support from the Flathead National Fore was instrumental in the spring burn, and forest personnel will assist with the fall burn as well.

The main object is to reduce lodgepole pine regeneration that is encroaching on the native prairie grasses and shrubs.

The burn will take place only when there are optimal weather and fuel conditions.