Two state parks undergo week-long prescribed burns

Week-long prescribed burn operations in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties are scheduled to begin Thursday.

California State Parks will be conducting the burns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through next Wednesday at Wilder Ranch and Ano Nuevo state parks.

The controlled burns are intended for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, wildlife habitat improvement and various other ecological benefits.

The 145-acre prescribed burn at Ano Nuevo State Park is planned for the ocean side of state Highway 1, resulting in the closure of Whitehouse Creek Trail from Highway 1 to the beach.

At Wilder Ranch State Park, various grassland habitats are planned for burning. Some trails will be temporarily closed to the public.

The burns are permitted, planned and coordinated with surrounding air quality management districts.

Drivers are asked to use extreme caution when driving near the fire operations due to fire personnel and equipment in the areas.