The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is prohibiting open burning this spring on property managed south of Bismarck and Mandan until further notice, as a means to reduce potential for wildfires on a heavily wooded recreation area along the Missouri River.
While the use of portable grills is allowed, extreme caution is advised due to the heavily vegetated area. These woodlands are prone to wildfires prior to spring green-up. Mild temperatures and a high fuel load in the river bottoms are a cause for concern, in addition to being a high-use area for anglers, campers and other outdoor recreationists.
Oahe WMA covers more than 16,000 acres along Lake Oahe south of Bismarck-Mandan, in portions of Burleigh, Emmons, and Morton counties.
Burning restriction signs are posted at all entrances to the WMA.