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FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – Oak Mountain State Park will conduct a prescribed burn on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in the Lunker Lake Dam and Pollinator Garden area, weather permitting.

According to park officials, the BLT and Pollinator Garden Trails will be closed to the public throughout the day to allow the park’s natural resources team to complete the burn safely and efficiently.

Prescribed fires, also known as controlled burns, are a key part of the park’s land management strategy and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of fire-dependent ecosystems found within Alabama’s largest state park.

Park staff emphasized that prescribed burns benefit both the environment and visitors by improving wildlife habitats, reducing invasive plant species and minimizing the spread of pest and insect diseases.

They also help recycle nutrients back into the soil, promote new growth of native vegetation and increase plant biodiversity, ensuring that Oak Mountain’s forests and grasslands remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.

Park officials thanked visitors for their patience and understanding during the operation.

“Prescribed burns are vital to sustaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of Oak Mountain State Park,” officials said in a statement. “We appreciate the public’s continued support as we carry out this important work.”

Visitors are encouraged to follow all posted signage and trail closures during the burn and to check the park’s social media pages for updates on conditions and reopening times.