For Release: Oct. 1. 2003
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-04-1

BLM PLANS PRESCRIBED FIRES NEAR MADELINE, ADIN

Crews from the U. S. Bureau of Land Management will ignite prescribed fires in early October and early November, in projects designed to improve habitat conditions for sensitive plants and wildlife.

Jerry Wheeler, fire management officer for the BLM's Alturas Field Office, said a 30-acre burn in the Ash Valley area, 30 miles south of Madeline, will remove brush, grass and pine needle accumulation to improve habitat for several plant species that are rare or listed as "special status," warranting special management actions by the BLM. The project is planned for the first two weeks in October.

Alturas BLM crews are also planning to continue a burning project in the South Knob area about 18 miles south of Adin. The project will burn about 1,200 acres of brush to leave a mosaic pattern of brush and new plant growth to benefit wildlife, including deer. Crews began the South Knob project last year. Burning is targeted for early November.

Wheeler said the fires would be ignited when weather conditions, fuel moisture and other factors allow for safe and successful burning. For safety, he said back country visitors must stay out of the fire areas when the projects are underway.

For more information, contact the Alturas Field Office, (530) 233-4666.

-BLM-

Alturas Field Office - 708 West 12th Street - Alturas, CA 96101