FREEDOM, N.H. (AP) – An environmental group is preparing to burn about 15 acres of its forestland in northern New Hampshire to reduce the danger of a forest fire and improve habitat for wildlife.

The Nature Conservancy will burn parts of its Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve in Madison and Freedom next month.

The group says it has spent three years planning for the burns. They are designed to eliminate fallen branches and leaves that can be ignited by lightning, improve habitat for several species and maintain the pine barrens.