Deb Schweizer Public Affairs Specialist Forest Service Inyo National Forest  sent this notice:

Weather and air quality conditions permitting, fire crews will conduct a prescribed fire on Twain Islet . The project will be ongoing for two to three days.

This project is focused on removing Bassia hyssopifolia. This non-native plant prefers wetlands and alkaline areas and has moved onto the Twain Islet, choking out nesting areas for birds such as California gulls. Fire crews have been pulling the weeds, protecting nesting areas for birds such as black-crowned night heron rookeries, and plan to burn the weeds as conditions permit. This project is part of a long-term plan to determine the best methods to remove and prevent the spread of Bassia.

Smoke will be visible from throughout the Mono Lake Basin and along the Hwy 395 corridor.

Attached photos  illustrate the Bassia invasion, how it affects nesting areas, and the forest’s work to remove this invasive plant. The first photo illustrates how Bassia moves into an area, creating a thick blanket. The second photo shows efforts to pull the weed to open the area for gulls.