BLM to conduct prescribed fire at Dos Palmas Preserve to improve wildlife habitat
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Palm Springs, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management and fire crews from the California Desert Interagency Fire Program will treat up to 133 acres of land with prescribed fire in the Dos Palmas Preserve in eastern Riverside County to maintain habitat for the endangered Yuma Ridgway's rail.
The prescribed fire will occur all on one day between Tuesday, November 8 and Friday, December 9, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., when specific weather conditions allow for safe, successful burning and smoke dispersion conditions are present. During the burn, smoke may be visible from the community of North Shore and State Route 111.
The prescribed burn will remove dead, matted vegetation, which will support rejuvenation of the marsh habitat occupied by the endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail. After burning, crews will patrol and extinguish smoldering fuels.
“Prescribed fire is important for keeping our public landscapes healthy, productive, and is part of ongoing restoration efforts for the local habitat,” said Chelsea Collins, Preserve Manager. The Preserve encompasses approximately 14,000 acres and is cooperatively managed by the BLM and the Center for Natural Lands Management. In addition to the palm oases, the Preserve is home to the endangered desert pupfish and Yuma Ridgway’s rail and provides important wetland areas for several migratory bird species.
The California Desert Interagency Fire Program includes Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service firefighting resources that cover Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park and BLM’s California Desert District. As an interagency unit, fire personnel share responsibilities and equipment to effectively manage the California Desert Fire Program.
Additional information is available by contacting the BLM Fuels Specialist James Gannon at 951-903-4141.
For more BLM information regarding wildfire prevention, contact: California Desert District Office 760-833-7100; Barstow Field Office, 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office, 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office, 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office, 760- 384-5400.
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.