PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – If you are on the west side of Portage today and you see a lot of smoke, don’t be too concerned.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is planning a controlled burn in the Gourdneck State Game Area, weather permitting.
City Manager Patrick McGinnis says it will be sizable.
“It’s gonna be 62 acres so it’s a pretty good chunk so depending on which way the wind’s blowing you could see some smoke over along Shaver Road. It’s back there behind the businesses up and down Shaver.”
He says state crews are doing it to control invasive species and underbrush, which will encourage new growth and provide critical habitat for wildlife.
“I’m told that the 62 acre burn will benefit the oak forest for deer and turkey and possibly other species like box turtle.”
Portage residents may see smoke rising and notice DNR vehicles working in the area, adjacent to US-131 near Vanderbilt Road.
The DNR says it’s the first of two prescribed burns they are planning over the next few months in the game area.
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