ANTLERS, Okla. (AP) — The entire McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area will be closed to the public Monday through Thursday while Oklahoma Forestry Services conducts a prescribed burn on about 1,890 acres of the land located in southeastern Oklahoma.
Forestry officials say a determination of when to reopen the NSRA will be made Thursday evening.
The reintroduction of fire into the popular backcountry recreation area will help restore the forest ecosystem by improving conditions for both plants and wildlife.
By removing "litter" or fallen leaves and branches from the forest floor the regeneration and growth of the native understory plants is encouraged and the potential for a devastating, destructive wildfire is reduced.