BLM to share information for upcoming prescribed fire near San Pedro
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TAOS, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office is hosting an opportunity to share information on an upcoming prescribed burn near San Pedro, N.M. The information session, which will take place on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m., will be held at the Santa Fe County-Edgewood Volunteer Fire District Station 3, 3 Oro Quay Road, San Pedro, N.M.
The BLM is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and working with state and local health authorities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. For this reason, we are conducting the meeting outside and capping attendance at 30 participants. We are also requiring attendees to practice social distancing and wear a mask. The BLM will provide a mask to anyone who does not have one. As the meeting will take place outside, we recommend that all attendees dress appropriately for the weather.
Beginning Nov. 12, the BLM plans to burn up to 200 acres near San Pedro in two units. The first unit is located on BLM-managed lands in Santa Fe County on the south side of NM Highway 344, approximately one mile east of NM Highway 14 and NM Highway 344. The second unit is on Verbina Road, on lands managed by the State of New Mexico, to the east of the first unit.
This operation is weather-dependent and may take up to 30 days, with completion expected by winter. On burn days, the San Pedro area will be closed for all activities, including target shooting. If you plan to visit the area, check whether it is a burn day by contacting the Taos Field Office or monitoring BLM NM’s social media feeds. Motorists should drive cautiously and reduce speed in the area due to the presence of fire personnel and equipment. It is recommended that the public stay out of the burn area until the prescribed burn is complete. Camping within or near the burn unit is not advised.
The purpose of the project is to reduce flammable accumulations of vegetation around the community of San Pedro on BLM managed lands and to improve the health of the piñon/juniper woodland. Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to reduce fire hazards and reinvigorate vegetation. By reducing the volume of vegetation under the prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with unplanned wildfires.
Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. People who are either susceptible to or affected by COVID-19 may have health conditions that also make them vulnerable to smoke exposure. For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management/.
For further information, please contact the Taos Field Office at 575-758-8851. You can also follow the implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com, on Twitter @nmfireinfo, or on facebook.com/nmfireinfo.
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.