Alert: Burn planned this week for major Alabama state park

A prescribed burn is planned this week for one of Alabama’s most distinctive and most popular, state parks.

According to information provided by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the burn will take place Wednesday and/or Thursday in the Eagle Loop section of Gulf State Park near Lake Shelby, weather permitting. State Park Road will be closed during the process.

Periodic low-intensity fires are important to the health of longleaf pine forests, in part because they clear out invasive plant species and reduce the buildup of dead brush and other fuel that can lead to uncontrolled high-intensity fires.

“Every effort is being made to ensure safety and proper smoke management during this burn,” says the ADCNR announcement. “However, park guests staying in the lakeside cabins can expect to experience some smoke from the fire. During the active burn period, access to the Eagle Loop area will be limited to only lakeside cabin guests.”

Personnel from the Alabama Forestry Commission will conduct the burn. For more information on prescribed burns, visit outdooralabama.com.