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BASTROP-MCDADE — Prescribed burns were lit across the county last week to reduce wildfire risks and restore sensitive ecosystems, environmental authorities said.
Raven Environmental Services conducted the controlled fires at Griffith League Scout Ranch, near McDade, and a Lower Colorado River Authority property neighboring Camp Swift, along Texas 95, Jan. 13-17.
For five days winds pushed smoke around surrounding areas, including Lake Bastrop. The burn units were less than 50 acres, but helped remove potentially hazardous flame fuels while simultaneously improving wildlife conditions for the local endangered Houston Toad population, according to the organization.
Though air quality was anticipated to be reduced, no major inconveniences were reported.
The conservation group’s last burn was conducted in Bastrop Dec. 17, with similar objectives.
