BLM Cody Field Office plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
CODY, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody Field Office plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA), six miles east of Lovell, as part of BLM’s commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.
The BLM will work collaboratively with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department implementing prescribed burns at Yellowtail WHMA. This project is a continuation of a multi-year collaborative effort between the BLM, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation.
Approximately 100 acres of wetland vegetation will be targeted to enhance nesting and loafing habitat for waterfowl and upland bird species.
Yellowtail ponds are dominated by cattails, which can limit the open water areas essential for waterfowl nesting and feeding. To restore balance, prescribed burns will be used as a key management tool. These burns help reduce cattail density, improve overall wetland health, and create more open water and forage for wildlife. These prescribed burns also lower hazardous fuel build-up, reducing the risk of severe wildfires.
Prescribed burns may be conducted between February 23rd, 2026, and April 30th, 2026, and only when weather and fuel moisture conditions allow for a safe, effective operation. Smoke may be visible at times during the burn.
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For more information, contact Rance Neighbors at (307) 347-5148.
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.