For Release: October 25, 2005
Contact: Tim Jones (707) 825-2300 or Jeff Fontana (707) 252-5332
CA-N-06-8

BLM LIFTING FIRE RESTRICTIONS, PLANNING FOR PRESCRIBED BURNS

With cool, moist fall weather taking hold on the North Coast, the Bureau of Land Management has announced that fire restrictions, in place since mid summer, are being lifted for lands managed by the Arcata Field Office in Humboldt, northern Mendocino and Trinity counties.

Fire crews will take advantage of fall weather conditions to complete prescribed burning projects on public lands managed by the BLM.

Lifting of fire restrictions means that campfires can again be used outside of developed campgrounds and recreation sites, said Tim Jones, fire management officer for the BLM Arcata Field Office. Campfire permits are required. Fire prevention-related limitations on use of internal combustion engines are also eased.

"The change in weather has reduced fire danger, but it is still important to be careful with fire," Jones said. He cautioned against conducting burning projects on windy days and urged campers to ensure that campfires are fully extinguished before leaving camp.

The BLM's primary prescribed burning project for fall is the Strawberry Rock burn proposed for the north end of the King Range National Conservation Area. Jones said the BLM is accepting public comments on an environmental assessment through Monday, Nov. 7. The environmental document, which details the proposed project and environmental impacts, has been sent to requesters. It is also available by contacting the Arcata Field Office at (707) 825-2300.

The BLM is proposing the 130-acre burn near Strawberry Rock and Barksdale Table to reduce the accumulation of fuels and improve wildfire protection for the residents in the Prosper Ridge Road and Lighthouse Road areas. The burn would also remove small fir trees and seedlings to help restore coastal prairies.

Additionally, BLM crews will be burning piles of beach grass, brush and limbs that resulted from summer habitat improvement projects. Burning will take place in the King Range NCA, at the South Spit of Humboldt Bay, at Samoa Dunes and in the Manila Dunes area.

Prescribed fires and pile burning will take place only on days when weather conditions allow for safe and successful burning and smoke management.

More information on burning projects or current campfire permit regulations is available from the Arcata Field Office.

-BLM-
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Arcata Field Office 1695 Heindon Rd. Arcata, CA 95521