Nature Conservancy Planning Controlled Burns in the Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve

August 28, 2026—The Nature Conservancy is planning fire management activities for the Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve in Freedom and Madison.

Brush removal and controlled burns are planned for approximately 200 acres of the preserve in four different locations. These activities will be implemented between now and the end of October as weather conditions permit, and when qualified personnel are available.

Prescribed burns will generally be conducted between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. In some cases, the areas burned will continue to smolder into the evening, and Conservancy staff will remain on site throughout this period and until the fire is extinguished.

While the Conservancy takes many precautions and measures to ensure that smoke from controlled burns is directed away from developed areas and neighboring homes, temporarily shifting winds, and smoldering after dark can direct smoke in unpredictable directions.

These controlled burns have taken place many times over many years. This attachment has further details and a map of the affected areas. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Michael Crawford at (603) 230-9209 or mcrawford@tnc.org.