BLM to burn northwest of Sunbeam

SUNBEAM, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to burn approximately 30 acres of waterfowl and migratory bird habitat to reduce the density of cattails in the Oxbow Wildlife Area.

“The need for this project is to address the degradation of waterfowl and migratory bird habitat and to enhance habitat conditions for migratory birds and waterfowl, our objective is to reduce the cattail stand by at least 50%,” said BLM Fuels Technician Shane Pfeiffer. “Weather permitting, the burn will occur mid to late April.” To protect migratory bird nesting, burning would not occur between May 15 and July 15.

The project is in Moffat County approximately 9 miles northwest of Sunbeam along CO Highway 318. Smoke may be visible from CO Highway 318, U.S. Highway 40 and county roads in the area during the implementation of burning operations.

The public is reminded to not call 911 or emergency services even though smoke may be visible. Road closures are not expected. 

“Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored, and the burn will only be initiated if prescriptive parameters have been met,” said Pfeiffer.  “Each prescribed burn conducted by the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit has a detailed fire plan developed in advance, along with appropriate smoke permits obtained from the State of Colorado.”

Updates on prescribed burns will be available on the BLM Colorado Fire Facebook page.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please visit the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division’s website: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For additional information, visit BLM Colorado fire information webpage at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/Colorado or contact BLM Fuels Technician Shane Pfeiffer 970-620-6957.