For Immediate Release:  June 4, 2008
                           Contact:  Dan Quintana: 928 651 4470

Prescribed Burn Planned For Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tucson Field Office and Gila District Fire Management Office are planning a prescribed burn within Las Cienegas National Conservation Area on June 6. The burn unit includes 1,920 acres in the Maternity Well area, south of the Empire Ranch headquarters. The burn will take place only if weather conditions permit.

Fire is a natural process that maintains the grassland communities of the conservation area. Prescribed fire is a process designed to reintroduce fire into the ecosystem in a manner that mimics natural fire frequency and intensity. By reintroducing fire, BLM hopes to increase the health of the ecosystem by enhancing growth of desirable grasses, reducing invasive shrub species and managing fuel loads so that natural fires are less destructive.

This time of the year has been selected to conduct a prescribed burn in order to mimic historical natural fire patterns. Years ago, fires initiated by lightning strikes prior to the summer monsoon season would eliminate flammable fuels without burning to a destructible temperature. By imitating the natural fire process, more efficient prescribed burns can be conducted.

Additional information will be provided at the BLM information center located at the Sonoita/Elgin Fire Department located at 3173 Highway 83 in Sonoita, Ariz.

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