Texas A&M Forest Service is planning to conduct prescribed burning operations on the W.G. Jones State Forest on January 14 – 15, 2021

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Texas A&M Forest Service is planning to conduct prescribed burning operations on the W.G. Jones State Forest on January 14-15, 2021. Considered a standard forest management tool for endangered species habitat restoration, undergrowth vegetation reduction, and providing for community safety; the prescribed burning will take place as weather permits.The area is located between I-45 and SH 242, north and south of FM 1488 within the state forest boundaries. Objectives:- Vegetative reduction/reduce the potential of devastating wildfire on state forest land/reduce fuel load- Restoration of forest ecological habitat for endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker populations- Improve access and visual landscape aesthetics for safety- Enhance wildlife habitat by increasing sunlight to the forest floor and desirable flora species- Inter-departmental training between state and local emergency response resourcesW.G. Jones State Forest 1328 FM 1488 RoadConroe, TX 77384LAT 30.229547 NLONG 95.484968 WTexas A&M Forest Service will notify the surrounding city and fire officials, as well as area residents and groups who frequent the forest, by email and posting notification signs in adjoining right-of-ways. Agency firefighters and equipment will be stationed at the forest as a precautionary measure.In the interest of public and firefighter safety, certain areas of the forest will be closed to the public.