On February 17, 2016 employees of the Mid-Columbia National Wildlife Refuge Complex, along with cooperators, burned 56 acres of grasses, shrubs, thatch and cattails for the improvement of lesser Sandhill crane habitat. 

By reducing accumulated organic materials, native grass regeneration is promoted, and access to food sources for the lesser Sandhill cranes is accomplished.

Mid-Columbia Complex Fire Management were assisted by the Spokane area Bureau of Land Management office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inland Northwest Complex, as well as the Hanford County Fire Department. 

Large numbers of lesser sandhill cranes visit the refuge during spring and fall migrations. This photograph was snapped of the burn site a few days after the prescribed fire had been completed. 

The prescribed burn is expected to result in greater abundance and diversity of native species and improved habitat for the lesser Sandhill cranes as well as other native wildlife species. The cranes historically arrive at the Refuge in early to mid-March.