For Release: October 11, 2005
Contact: Kevin Chambers (661)391-6000
CCal-06-03

BLM to Conduct Prescribed Burn on Case Mountain

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to conduct a prescribed burn on Case Mountain, just east of Three Rivers in Tulare County, pending appropriate fire management conditions. The prescribed burn is expected to take four days and cover a succession of small plots totaling approximately 160 acres of public lands.

BLM fire managers at the Bakersfield Field Office have submitted a planned ignition advisory forecast to the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District and are waiting for a permissive burn day with desirable weather conditions to begin fire operations. The window of opportunity to begin ignition runs from mid October through mid November, or as long as conditions are meeting burn prescriptions.

The controlled burn is planned to reduce the potential for a catastrophic wildfire within the Case Mountain giant sequoia groves and reintroduce fire to the ecosystem. Planning for the burn has been underway for four years including scientific studies on the sequoia ecosystem's response to fire. Reptile and amphibian populations have been monitored and fire crews have taken preventative measures to protect the sequoias by removing heavy fuel accumulations near the base of the trees.

Ron Huntsinger, BLM Field Manager, said "A safe and effective burn is a top BLM priority. Burning will only commence if conditions are appropriate and full clearance is obtained from the Air District." Since portions of Case Mountain are frequented by visitors, all users need to remain cautious of heavy equipment that may be traveling along Salt Creek Road, he added.

For addition information contact the Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000

-BLM-
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Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus, Bakersfield, CA 93308