Prescribed burns planned around Lake Lanier

GAINESVILLE - A new prescribed burning program at Lake Lanier is set to begin this winter by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The federal government hopes to burn off debris in wooded areas filled with weeds, pine needles and forest litter.

Chief Ranger Jeff Emmert says the program could benefit certain tree species and wildlife, as well as lessen the likelihood for a wildfire.

Emmert said most of the recreational areas at the lake have never had a prescribed burning.

Forsyth County fire Capt. Jason Shivers says Forsyth is the county with the most shoreline on Lake Lanier, and there's a tremendous amount of fuel in areas which have never been burned.