GOLDEN POND, Ky. (AP) — National Forest Service wildfire officials started conducting seasonal prescribed burns Friday at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, officials said.

Crews will burn dry fuels to reduce their availability and improve forest health and habitat diversity, according to a statement from Land Between the Lakes. Fire crews and smoke may be visible to visitors through Sunday.

Land Between the Lakes covers more than 170,000 acres (68,800 hectares) in western Kentucky and Tennessee.

Crews may conduct more prescribed burning throughout March, officials said. The burns reduce the amount of dry fuels in forested areas and recycle nutrients back into the soil.