News Release Archive

Proscribed Burn Planned near McKay Dam in Oregon

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Chet Sater, csater@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: October 10, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation is assisting the US Fish and Wildlife Service with a proscribed burn on October 15 on about 17 acres downstream of McKay Dam located on McKay Creek about 5 miles south of Pendleton, Ore.

The periodic proscribed burn will be conducted by USFW Mid-Columbia National Wildlife Refuge Complex out of Burbank Wash. The primary purpose of the burn is to control vegetation and noxious weeds in accordance with Reclamation's Integrated Pest Management Plan.

The burn will also be help to improve visual inspections for Reclamation personnel conducting Dam Safety Programs at the facility.

The proscribed burn is scheduled to last about two hours, starting at 10:00 am. Reclamation personnel will monitor the burn site for a couple of days after the event as an additional safety measure.

The burn is dependant upon local weather conditions and may be delayed due to unfavorable conditions. Local fire management entities may be onsite to assist the USFW.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.