MCCALL – Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho, will begin prescribed burning in September 2023. In conjunction with the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association (SITPA), the burning will precede a rain event estimated to occur as early as Monday, September 18, 2023, but may not happen until October 2023.
Burning will likely last about three days and will be heavily monitored by park staff and SITPA. The park asks visitors to adhere to posted signage, avoid all burn areas, and not attempt to put out fires.
Forest management is paramount to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The goal of this burn project is to restore the park’s natural Ponderosa Pine stand and to ultimately reduce the chance of a large-scale, uncontrolled fire by reducing the fuel load. Ponderosa Pines are biologically more resistant to pests and wildfires, which will ensure the longevity of the forest for decades to come.