The open fire ban on the Oahe Wildlife Management Area has been removed, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced Wednesday.

"We have seen a significant green-up in this area as a result of recent rains," said Jeb Williams, wildlife resource management supervisor. "Right now we are less concerned with fuel loads in that area."

Open fires, including campfires, were prohibited this spring on NDGFD-managed property south of Bismarck and Mandan along both sides of the Missouri River.

"In March and April of each year, because these woodlands are exceptionally prone to wildfires prior to spring green-up, the Game and Fish Department bans open fires due to the combination of high use by recreationists and heavy vegetative fuel loads," Williams said.

Oahe WMA covers more than 16,000 acres along Lake Oahe south of Bismarck-Mandan, in portions of Burleigh, Emmons and Morton counties.