Some burning scheduled for Ripton forests

The Forest Service is planning on doing some controlled burning this year in Ripton's parts of their National Forests.

Forest Service spokesman Ethan Ready said the burns happen almost annually and are part of the National Forests management plan.  

“We talk about how sportsmen and birdwatchers and other people want to see various species thriving in Vermont,” he said. “This is a way to make sure, in certain areas, there’s forage for game species.”

The fires reduce heavy accumulations of brush, clearing the way for new and more diverse growth. Ready said the burns benefit game species large and small, from bear and moose to woodcock, grouse and wild turkey.