LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A series of prescribed burns are being planned at wildlife areas across the state to promote habitat for animals and improve the grasslands.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission plans to set the fires at an assortment of wildlife management areas when weather permits.

The fires help remove invasive trees and bushes while stimulating the growth of desired grasses. They also help reduce the risk of wildfire because fuel is reduced.

Burns are being planned in the following counties: Antelope, Buffalo, Cass, Custer, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, Fillmore, Gosper, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Keith, Knox, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Pierce, Richardson, Scotts Bluff, Seward, Sherman, Stanton and Thayer.