BLM prescribed fires planned on Carpenter Ridge and West Dolores Rim
MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices plan to conduct prescribed fire treatments this fall. Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing fuels and improving ecosystem health. The Carpenter Ridge project area is two miles outside Paradox Valley, CO, between Q13 and R3 roads (Rimrocker Route). Firefighters intend to burn 200 acres of oak brush and pine tree litter within ponderosa pine stands. The West Dolores Rim project area is seven miles east of Dove Creek. Firefighters will use hand ignitions and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to ignite 1,402 acres of pine needle cast and mountain brush leaf litter within ponderosa pine stands.
“The Carpenter Ridge prescribed fire treatment will benefit big game species as well as reduce hazardous fuels, building a more resilient ponderosa pine stand for the future,” said James Savage, BLM Supervisory Fuels Specialist. “The West Rim project continues to be one of the BLM's greatest successes in reintroducing fire onto the landscape. BLM began implementing prescribed fire in the West Rim project area in 2008, and after 16 years and thousands of acres treated, the BLM continues to see fantastic benefits for the timber stand, wildlife, and public land users, including reduced risk to homes, infrastructure, and resources.”
Prescribed fire mimics natural processes under appropriate weather and vegetative conditions, which improves forage for wildlife, increases plant diversity by creating breaks in the understory where native grasses and forbs can thrive, and effectively reduces hazardous vegetation while enhancing woodland health.
The projects are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to protect human and safety while maintaining or enhancing forest and woodland health and functionality. The BLM obtained smoke permits from the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
For more information on Southwest District prescribed fuel treatments, visit Southwest District BLM Prescribed Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov) and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit or Twitter https://twitter.com/SWD_Fire.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.