BLM Buffalo conducts prescribed burns in Johnson County
BUFFALO, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management has initiated prescribed burns in the following areas:
Beartrap Meadow - along Hazelton Road in southwest Johnson County. Burning operations have begun and may continue throughout the fall, depending on weather and fuel conditions.
This effort marks the second phase of a multi-phase project aimed at restoring and enhancing the ecological health of the area while supporting local wildlife. The project also plays a key role in reducing hazardous fuels and lowering the risk of large-scale wildfires. The first phase, completed in fall 2022, produced successful outcomes.
The BLM is working in coordination with adjacent private landowners and the State of Wyoming to reduce the density of mountain big sagebrush. Through carefully managed burning, the project seeks to improve the ecological function, health, and structural diversity of the sagebrush ecosystem.
Gardner Mountain; Slip Road; Sawmill Creek; and Billy Creek in western Johnson County. Burning will continue through April 2026.
On Gardner Mountain, the BLM and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) have completed fuels reduction work to help restore curl-leaf mahogany stands. As part of this effort, BLM will conduct prescribed burning of 83 acres of hand piles.
In the Sawmill Creek area—accessible from Hazelton Road and Slip Road—BLM has completed a forest health and fuels reduction project and plans to burn hand piles across approximately 550 acres.
In the Billy Creek area, BLM maintains a public slash disposal site for local homeowners. This site is intended for non-commercial use and accepts small-diameter materials such as branches and small trees. BLM burns the accumulated slash each winter and reminds users that excavated stumps are not permitted, as they are difficult to handle and burn effectively. Additionally, BLM has completed a 297-acre forest health and fuels reduction project in the Billy Creek area and will burn hand piles there as well.
All BLM prescribed burns are conducted under approved burn plans that outline specific requirements for weather, smoke dispersion, and fuel moisture conditions. Smoke may be visible at times from surrounding areas.
For more information, please contact the Buffalo Field Office front desk at (307) 684-1100, Chris Sheets at (307) 684-1097, or Jacob McClure at (307) 684-1064.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.