Prescribed fire at Blue Job State Forest will reinvigorate wildlife, blueberry habitat

A prescribed burn at Blue Job State Forest in Farmington, originally scheduled for 2024, is set to take place before October of this year, the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau announced today.

“Unfortunately, weather conditions last year weren’t conducive for undertaking a prescribed burn,” said Chief Steve Sherman of the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau. “Spring was too wet, then summer got too hot, and fall was windy on top of things being dry from the summer heat.

“We always make sure to take several weather conditions into account before implementing a prescribed burn, including temperature, wind and relative humidity. If any one of them is not within range, it’s not safe to burn.”

Trained wildfire personnel will manage the approximately 20-acre prescribed burn that will reduce forest fuels like shrubs and grasses that could contribute to a wildfire.

Additionally, the burn will improve blueberry habitat, thereby improving conditions for birds and other wildlife that rely on blueberries for food and shelter. Scenic vistas enjoyed by hikers and other recreators will also improve.

Anyone wishing to monitor the date of the prescribed burn at Blue Job State Forest is encouraged to check the division’s website, nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov as well as the division’s and Forest Protection Bureau’s X social media accounts, @nhdfl and @NHForestRangers.

The most recent prescribed burn at Blue Job’s blueberry barrens took place in 2018.

The N.H. Forest Protection Bureau is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Forests and Lands, which protects and promotes the value provided by trees, forests and natural communities. For more information about the Division of Forests and Lands and the work of its Forest Protection Bureau, visit nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov or call 603-271-2214.

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