| Contacts: | Michael Blakeman, (719) 852-6212 |
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Initiated for SLV (06-04-12)
MONTE VISTA – In a coordinated effort, all the counties (including Mineral) and federal land management agencies in the San Luis Valley are initiating Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning June 6, 2012.
“We have been continually monitoring the fire danger throughout the SLV and have determined it is prudent to put in place Stage 1 Fire restrictions,” said Jim Jaminet, the interagency fire management officer for federal lands in the SLV. “The lower elevations are quite dry and the snowpack is almost gone in the mountains. June is historically one of our driest months, so I anticipate any green-up that has occurred will be short lived.”
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
1. All open fires, campfires, charcoal-fueled fires, or coal or wood burning stove fires unless in an established fire grate in a developed campground. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed.
2. Smoking, unless within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
As a reminder, the use of explosives and incendiary devices, including fireworks, are prohibited on all federal lands.
For more information contact the San Luis Valley Public Lands Center at 719-852-5941, or any other federal land management or county office in the San Luis Valley.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
1803 West Highway 160 Monte Vista, CO 81144