BLM Central Coast Field Office to conduct prescribed burn near Clear Creek to reduce fire fuels and improve wildlife habitat
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MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office plans to burn roughly 30 aces of noxious grass and brush outside the entrance to the Clear Creek Management Area, located south of Hollister, in San Benito County, starting Tuesday, June 11, depending on weather and air quality conditions.
The BLM will conduct the prescribed burn in partnership with CAL FIRE. The prescribed burn will help reduce fuel available for wildland fire by eliminating invasive yellow starthistle, which in California can grow to shoulder height and form massive, briar patches.
The Central Coast Field Office received a grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to help pay for the prescribed burn as reducing noxious weeds helps rejuvenate native grasses, which may improve habitat for elk. There are three elk species in California: Rocky Mountain, Roosevelt and Tule elk. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation works to protect crucial elk winter and summer ranges, migration corridors, calving grounds and other areas vital to elk and other wildlife.
The BLM uses an Integrated Weed Management Strategy, which includes herbicide application, sheep and goat grazing, and prescribed fire to kill invasive weeds like Medusa head and yellow starthistle plants, before they have a chance to set seed. Prescribed fire helps restore balance to the ecosystem.
The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. The exact timing of the prescribed burn will depend on temperature, wind and relative humidity, and is being conducted in close coordination with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District. Smoke may be visible to nearby rural landowners. Updated information will be provided on BLM California social media sites using #RxBurn.
Permit holders will still be granted access to the Clear Creek Management Area. For more information, please call the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.
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.