The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has removed the open fire ban on the Oahe Wildlife Management Area effective immediately, said Jeb Williams, wildlife resource management supervisor.

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

Open fires, including campfires, were prohibited this spring on Game and Fish 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, NDGFD bans open fires because of the combination of high use by recreationists and dense vegetation.

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

- Richard Hinton