A prescribed burn is planned at Gulf State Park as part of a forest management plan associated with longleaf pine restoration, fuel reduction and invasive species control.

The planned burn will take place in the Eagle Loop section of the park near Lake Shelby on Nov. 20-21, weather permitting. State Park Road will be closed during the burn period.

“Every effort is being made to ensure safety and proper smoke management during this burn. However, park guests staying in the lakeside cabins can expect to experience some smoke from the fire. During the active burn period, access to the Eagle Loop area will be limited to only lakeside cabin guests,” a press release said.

The Alabama Forestry Commission will conduct the prescribed burn for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks Division.

Prescribed fire is an effective way to reduce wildfire risk, reduce fuel loads, enhance wildlife habitat and maintain a healthy forest ecosystem, ADCNR wrote in the release.. This is especially important in the south Alabama coastal region due to vegetation type and a longer growing season.