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A past prescribed burn at Mashomack preserve on Shelter Island. COURTESY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Last March, when The Nature Conservancy conducted a controlled burn on the Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island, the billowing plume of smoke that was visible from Sag Harbor and East Hampton’s Northwest Woods alarmed many people and resulted in numerous calls to the Shelter Island Fire Department.
With an eye toward avoiding any confusion this year, The Nature Conservancy has announced that there is a winter burn window that is in effect until December 20. During that period, provided the conditions are right, controlled burns could be held on portions of the 2,300-acre preserve.
A prescribed burn is a land management tool, in which fire is intentionally applied to vegetation. The proper implementation of prescribed fire is not only beneficial to the health of oak forests by suppressing invasive species, prompting biodiversity, and promoting oak regeneration, it also has benefits for people, reducing tick habitat and reducing wildfire risk by eliminating forest fuel buildup.
Questions can be directed to the Mashomack stewardship team at 631-749-1001 or via email at mashomackpreserve@tnc.org.
Staff Writer on Dec 2, 2025