TVA begins prescribed burning in Southeast Tennessee

Arkansas-St. John's Live Blog

The Tennessee Valley Authority is teaming up with state and local officials and other federal agencies to begin springtime prescribed burning on public lands.

The 2013 prescribed burn management program began this month and will continue through May.

Burns are planned for Rhea, Hamilton, Franklin and Coffee counties in Southeast Tennessee.

"Prescribed burning is a recognized natural resource management tool," Bruch Schofield, vice president of TVA property and natural resources, said in a news release. "These controlled burns can help maintain and establish wildlife habitat, and they can reduce thatch and leaves that help fuel wildfires."

The National Park Service also will conduct prescribed burns in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, according to a news release.

The burns may take place anytime until April 26, depending on weather conditions.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park's Wild Land Fires Module will be assisting park staff with the burns.

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