Controlled burn scheduled at Travis AFB Published June 11, 2007 By 010607 TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis Air Force Base plans to conduct a controlled burn on the northwestern corner of the base later this month in order to enhance endangered species habitat. The exact date of the burn will be dependent upon wind and weather conditions, but is planned for sometime between June 13 and July 13. The 75-acre area of land to be burned is the site of several vernal pools containing threatened and endangered species. Travis has a preservation agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve this habitat. Several non-native plant species have invaded the area and are a threat to the endangered Contra Costa Goldfield flower. A controlled burn was carefully selected as the most effective approach to this problem. By completing the burn at this time of year, the invasive species will be controlled without damage to the protected species in the burn area. The threatened Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp may also benefit from the controlled burn. The burn will be safely performed and controlled by a government contractor when weather conditions allow for a safe burn. The contractor will follow strict safety guidelines and will be prepared to extinguish the burn at any time if conditions become potentially unsafe. Local fire departments, including the Travis Fire Department, will be notified of the burn plans and available for fire control assistance. Signs will be posted along Airbase Parkway east and west of the burn unit to alert drivers of the burn operations. Efforts will be taken to ensure smoke-related safety hazards are not present along Airbase Parkway. -30-