Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources will implement controlled burning operations across the lower Eastern Shore region between early April and mid-May, contingent on favorable weather and environmental conditions.
Local residents and travelers should expect to observe smoke from these intentionally set, managed fires. Qualified DNR staff will oversee all burning activities, with predetermined fire boundaries and proper equipment in place to guarantee safe and effective operations.
The scheduled burning sites encompass:
• Furnace Town Complex, located near Snow Hill
• Foster Tract Recreational Area within Chesapeake Forest Lands, near Snow Hill
• Wicomico Demonstration Forest, situated near Pittsville
These controlled burning operations utilize carefully managed, low-intensity flames to clear undergrowth and accumulated leaf debris. The practice promotes healthier forest ecosystems, minimizes the potential for devastating wildfires, and creates better living conditions for indigenous wildlife including northern bobwhite quail, frosted elfin butterflies, and sundial lupine plants. Additionally, fire assists certain native vegetation in reproducing by opening seed pods and conditioning soil for fresh plant development.
