The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct a controlled burn at the National Conservation Training Center between the end of February and mid-March, depending on suitable weather conditions, according to a news release.

The objective of this fire, a prescribed burn, is “to remove invading trees and shrubs that would otherwise overtake the fields, help control non-native plants and promote the growth of native warm-season prairie grasses that provide important wildlife habitat,” according to the release.

Two fields of tall grass, representing a total area of approximately 33 acres, are scheduled for burning by firefighters from the Fish and Wildlife and National Park services.

The burn will only take place under favorable weather conditions to keep the fire manageable and minimize smoke, and because burning is weather-dependent, the exact date for this activity won’t be known until shortly before it is carried out, according to the release.

Local residents and visitors may smell or see smoke in the area during the burn, according to Phil Pannill, land manager for the NCTC. He added all necessary permits and approvals have been obtained.

The NCTC is located at 698 Conservation Way, off of Shepherd Grade Road, north of Shepherdstown.

Additional information on the NCTC or the prescribed burn is available online.