Brett Gore and Matt Watson, Mid Atlantic Zone Firefighters, learn to fly the Alta X UAS at Blackwater this fall.
Cambridge, MD – This winter and spring (December 2025-April 2026), Mid-Atlantic Zone firefighters with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be planning and implementing several prescribed fires across the Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges in Dorchester, Kent, and Wicomico counties. Prescribed fires will aim to reduce hazardous fuel loads in the woods and marshlands, while also improving wildlife habitat. Firefighters take a proactive approach to impact the public as little as possible during prescribed fires. Be alert when smoke is in the air as firefighters use various pieces of equipment along the roads, as well as airboats and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to ignite, hold, and observe fire operations. UAS is a new tool that firefighters use to ignite and observe during wildfire and prescribed fire operations. We depend on the Maryland Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy firefighters and equipment to implement and accomplish prescribed fire goals and objectives.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 33,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwoods and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or follow us on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a 2,285-acre island which supports a wide variety of habitats including brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands for a diversity of wildlife. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern-Neck or @EasternNeckNWR.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
