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Jackson, WY –Weather permitting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct prescribed fire activities at the National Elk Refuge beginning as early as April 22, 2025. The specific schedule is weather dependent and could be conducted as late as May 31, 2025.

Specific areas will be burned to remove old and matted vegetation, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce invasive vegetation. The target area includes approximately 147 acres of the Pederson Unit, located east of the Gros Ventre River and approximately 2 miles north of the Jackson National Fish Hatchery. Additionally, small piles of vegetation debris may be burned on the Poverty Flats Unit, located north of the refuge maintenance facilities, when favorable conditions exist. The total footprint for these piles will be less than one acre in size. 

During fire operations, some areas including roads may be temporarily closed to the public. For your safety, please follow all posted signs and area closures. Temporarily closed areas will be re-opened as soon as safely possible. Signs will be posted along the nearest major roads, and all burns will be monitored until they are completely extinguished.  Smoke may be visible for several miles from the burn site. People in the area may smell smoke during and after prescribed burning activities. . 

. Professional fire personnel from the Service, alongside local and federal partners, will conduct the prescribed fire activities. The Service carefully plans every burn to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities, the public, and the firefighters. Before beginning a prescribed fire, experts review specific conditions that includeweather, smoke management, suitable prescription window, correct season, sensitive habitats / species and availability of resources to ensure fire objectives will be met and the burn is completed safely. Firefighters conduct a test fire prior to the prescribed fire to verify that the prescribed fire behavior characteristics will stay within the planned objectives.

For up-to-date information, contact the National Elk Refuge at (307) 733-9212. 

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