Sokaogon Chippewa Community News
Upcoming Controlled Burn
Posted on: May 23, 2019
The Sokaogon Environmental and Forestry Departments are combining their efforts to improve local habitat in the field west of Highway 55. Trees and shrubs are being planted that are conducive to healthy wildlife communities, while native grasses and flowers will be seeded to support threatened pollinator species.
To accomplish these tasks, the Tribe is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to complete a controlled burn on the pollinator seeding site. The goal of the burn is to knock back competing vegetation while simultaneously reducing the current seed bank. Once the burn is completed, the site will be inspected to determine if any further preparation is required.
Guided by maps and a meticulous burn plan, the BIA will monitor wind and weather patterns to determine the best time to burn the field. Ideally, the site will be burned as soon as possible. However, winds that are too strong, or that blow into the community, may force crews to wait for another day.
In the upcoming days or weeks, if you see smoke, please do not be alarmed. It is likely our controlled burn! When the day comes, we invite you to watch from a safe distance as the wildland firefighters execute their task.
If you have any questions about our pollinator project, please feel free to reach out to Tina VanZile or Nathan Podany at the Environmental Department.
Should you have any questions about the trees and shrubs project, contact Jason Quade, SCC Forestry Director.