By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Alabama State Parks officials will look to fuel the growth of wildlife food sources over the next several weeks during a series of prescribed burns at Oak Mountain State Park.

The Alabama State Parks Division will work with the Alabama Forestry Commission to conduct the controlled burns between Feb. 26 and March 13, weather permitting. The series of burns will range in size from 4 acres to 36 acres, according to the State Parks Division.

“Every effort will be made to ensure safety and proper smoke management during this period,” read a State Parks press release issued on Feb. 25.

The burns will be held near the OMSP golf course and archery park, and will help eliminate pine straw and sweet gum throughout the area.

“Prescribed burns also help to fuel the growth of wildlife food sources such as native grasses, wildflowers and forbs,” read the release.