Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge plans to conduct a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn within the next 30 days. An exact date cannot be provided due to variable weather conditions, but alerts will be posted to our official website and Facebook page prior to prescribed fire operations.
Areas closed during the burn will include Lost Lake, Boulder Cabin, and Boulder Picnic Areas; Kite Trail, the Narrows, and Little Baldy Hiking Trails; Doris Campground; and the Quanah Parker Environmental Education Center and Trail. Please note that burn areas will be closed to the public during fire operations; entry into these zones is strictly prohibited. For the safety of the public and refuge staff, traffic control measures such as use of a pilot car for one lane travel or short-term road closures will be implemented throughout the duration of the burn, resulting in delays for visitors and local residents. The Refuge is committed to minimizing closures to only the areas directly affected by fire operations.
For additional information please read the News Release Announcement for this action.
Visit Us
An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie 鈥攁 lasting refuge for wildlife. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation.
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Location and Contact Information
About Us
Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma鈥攁 lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The wildlife and habitats of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are managed using prescribed fire, grazing management, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species control, reservoir management, fish stocking, public use management, Wilderness management, and controlled hunts to manage wildlife populations.
Our Species
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to a whole host of animals鈥攆rom large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful 鈥淢ountain Boomer鈥� lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration.