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Date:  September 19, 2007 Contact: Travis Lipp  605-720-0747               BLM Plans Prescribed Burns  The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct prescribed burns this fall on 400-500 acres in the southern half of the Fort Meade Recreation Area near Sturgis, S.D., and on 50 acres west of the Hearst Subdivision near Lead, S.D.    The goals of these prescribed burns are to reduce hazardous fuels accumulations; maintain and enhance open stands of ponderosa pine; maintain and enhance native plant species; and maintain and enhance deciduous stands of aspen, birch, and oak.  Depending on the weather, the burning is scheduled to start in early October and continue until weather conditions become unfavorable.   The prescribed burning at Fort Meade will be south of the Fort Meade VA and east of Interstate 90. Smoke will be visible from Interstate 90, State Highway 34, and Sturgis. The BLM Road (Back Country Byway) will be closed to through traffic while burning is taking place. Multiple burning days are anticipated to complete the 400-500 acres.    During the prescribed burn west of the Hearst Subdivision, smoke will be visible from Lead and Deadwood. This prescribed burn should be completed in one day.   Questions pertaining to these prescribed burns may be directed to Travis Lipp at (605) 720-0747.   ###