The Vineyard Golf Club (VGC) is planning a prescribed burn in the Wintucket Cove frost bottom, located at the southerly end of the VGC property along Edgartown–West Tisbury Road. The prescribed burn is being coordinated with Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, and will occur sometime in late April, and no later than May 15. There is no exact date because the burn is dependent on weather conditions.
The Wintucket Cove frost bottom has historically supported habitat for a number of state-listed rare species, including the northern harrier, a ground-nesting bird, and several rare moth species, but according to a press release from environmental consulting firm Normandeau Associates, the quality of the habitat has declined in recent years because of increased vegetation.
VGC has contracted Northeast Forest and Fire Management (NE-FFM), a consulting firm that specializes in prescribed burns, to conduct the work. NE-FFM estimates that there have been three to five prescribed burns conducted each year on Martha’s Vineyard for the past decade, and that 30 to 50 prescribed fires are conducted in mainland Massachusetts annually.
Questions regarding the prescribed fire management of the Wintucket Cove frost bottom may be directed to Jeffery Carlson, VGC property manager, at 508-627-8930, ext.100, or jeffcarlson@vineyardgolf.com.
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