BLM Equipment Operator Steven Braun last week switched off the ignition and climbed out of his tractor, leaving behind the attached brush mower and a series of sagebrush islands separated by a sea of stubble from which fire-resistant grasses will sprout.

The carefully-crafted mosaic finishes Phase one of the Cherry Creek Fuels Reduction Project - intended to stabilize the watershed and stem the potential for a catastrophic wildland fire similar to one that in summer 2000 burned more than 8,000 acres and threatened the Cherry Creek community. The Cherry Creek project will also reduce the threat of post-fire flooding, while increasing available habitat for elk, mule deer, sage grouse and other wildlife species.

In all, the BLM plans to treat from 60 to 80-percent of the more than 13,000-acre project area through mowing, prescribed fire and herbicides.

The Cherry Creek project meets criteria established by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and implements strategies outlined in the National Fire Plan and Ely District Managed Natural and Prescribed Fire Plan.

The Ely District Managed Natural and Prescribed Fire Plan increases public and firefighter safety, while improving native plant diversity and wildlife habitat. The plan also reduces the threat of catastrophic wildland fire.

The BLM Ely District has several fuels reduction projects scheduled this summer, in addition to the Cherry Creek project. Projects are planned for Bullwhack, Bull Canyon, Ward Mountain and the West Schell bench. The projects are intended to protect human life and property, and improve habitat.

Learn more about the Ely District Managed Natural and Prescribed Fire Plan, as well as the beneficial uses of wildland fire, by calling Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely Field Office fire information officer, at (775) 289-1842.