| Contacts: | Kyle Sahd | , 575.751.4767 |
Prescribed Burn Set for Copperhill
Taos, NM--To reintroduce native plants and ecosystem health to federally managed lands, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to conduct a prescribed burn on 400 acres of public lands about 5 miles west of Penasco, New Mexico, from July 14 through July 31, 2010, depending on prevailing winds and other weather conditions.
“BLM fire management employees will be burning ponderosa stands to promote forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance wildlife habitat, said Kyle Sahd,” Fire Management Specialist. “Smoke could be visible from the burn operations through the month of July,” Sahd added.
Conditions will be monitored closely prior to implementation to assure adequate fuel moisture is present to conduct this burn safely. Ignition is also contingent on humidity, temperature, wind speed, good smoke dispersal and availability of fire personnel and other resources. This fire project will employ “broadcast burning” which consists of hand ignition of fire to the area within well-defined boundaries to maximize control of fire spread.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling on NM Highway 75, if they encounter smoke, and are advised to drive with headlights on because of the possibility of intermittent smoke.
For further information, contact Kyle Sahd, Taos Field Office, at (575) 751-4767 or the front desk at (575) 758-8851.
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. 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.