Might not be the right time for any Bear Island Trips


Big Cypress Fire Activity Update

As the drying weather continues, the Fire and Aviation Division will
continue conducting prescribed fire operations. Over the next 4-5 days,
including this weekend, we anticipate burning several large areas in the
Turner River and Corn Dance Units, North of the Oasis Visitor Center,
along the Monument Trail, west of Raccoon Point, and a few other select
pine/palmetto blocks that have not been treated for 8-10 years. These
will be done via aerial ignition.

We also hope to prep a few other areas around camps in the Concho Billy
area and along Hwy 41, to include the Monument facilities and
residences, campgrounds, and power poles along the north side of Hwy 41
from Burns Lake to Oasis. This is in anticipation of reintroducing fire
into the prairie ecosystem.
Our first project will take place on Thursday. Trail users and visitors
need to be aware that if they are venturing into the backcountry over
the next week that fire will be on the landscape. Signs are posted but
visitors are encouraged to check with the Oasis Visitor Center for
details on exact areas where fire activity may be taking place. We are
hoping to accomplish an additional 10-15,000 acres in the next 2 weeks
with further work to continue into the summer months.

For more information on closures or fire activity within the Preserve go
to
- http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/closures.htm

Bob DeGross
Big Cypress National Preserve
Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
239-695-1107 office; 239-695-2259 fax

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.
Experience Your America!


Thanks for the update

The actual locations for planned burns look like they may not directly effect Bear Island.
BUT if they burn along Turner River Road or Concho Billy...it may make the drive a little smokey.
Corn Dance is out by the Jetport and not actually in BCNP. But it could make the Trail a little smokey too.
Interesting to watch...but visitors are usually not encouraged from my experience.

Thanks for the INFO, as I am driving over to Naples, today......going to take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail).

Nope We where their on Saturday. The only smoke was from the dust on Turner River Road.. And a lot of deer too!