For Immediate Release: May 27, 2008
Contact: Dan Quintana: (928) 651-4470
Prescribed Burn Planned for Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Tucson, Ariz - 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 between May 30 and June 13. The burn unit includes 1920 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.
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