09/20/2026
Weather and national preparedness levels permitting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Unit 2C at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during the week of September 21–25, 2026. If conditions do not allow burning during this window, the operation will be rescheduled for mid-October, when preparedness levels are expected to decline and staff availability improves.
Over the past two years, Unit 2C has undergone targeted Phragmites treatment, resulting in a substantial accumulation of dead vegetation. A prescribed burn is necessary to remove this material, improve habitat quality, and prepare the unit for future management actions. Unit 2C is typically flooded year-round; however, due to ongoing Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) infrastructure improvements to the outlet structure leading to the Great Salt Lake, the unit is currently dry. This rare dry-down provides an important opportunity to complete a burn that will benefit fall migratory birds and support long-term wetland restoration.
To ensure public and staff safety, the Refuge will temporarily close the Auto Tour Route and surrounding Units 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D on the day the burn occurs.
Prescribed fire is an essential habitat management tool used to reduce invasive vegetation, promote native plant growth, and improve conditions for wildlife. Fire crews from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will conduct the operation. Each burn is carefully planned, with the safety of the public, firefighters, and surrounding community as the highest priority.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities, and visitors may notice smoke or fire activity near the burn area. For information about smoke and health, visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality at https://deq.utah.gov.
On the day the burn takes place, notifications via Facebook and Refuge signage will be posted to notify the public regarding closures of the Auto Tour Route and surrounding units. Thank you for your patience as the Refuge works to improve habitat in a heavily-used area of the Refuge.
PHOTO: Map of Area to be Burned/USFWS
