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BLM Newcastle plans to conduct prescribed burn in Weston County

Wyoming
High Plains DO
Newcastle FO
Media Contact
BLM Office:

NEWCASLTE, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct a prescribed burn this fall near the South Dakota/Wyoming state line in Weston County. The BLM plans to burn approximately 120 acres within the Sherwood Canyon area along Beaver Creek Road.  

Burning may start as early as October, after fire restrictions are lifted, and could continue throughout the fall as weather and fuel conditions allow. All BLM prescribed burn projects are conducted in accordance with approved burn plans that specify weather, smoke dispersal, and fuel moisture conditions. Smoke may be visible at times from the surrounding areas.  

The BLM is coordinating with adjacent private landowners to reduce the density of Rocky Mountain juniper and to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, increase forage for livestock and wildlife, and improve the health and resiliency of ponderosa pine forest. The project is part of a multi-year effort by the BLM and partners to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires and improve stand growth and wildlife habitat in the area. 

A prescribed burn plan is followed which emphasizes public and firefighter safety as the first and highest priority. As with any activity involving vegetation treatments, risk cannot be completely removed, but the planning process attempts to mitigate as much risk as possible. Hunters, recreationists, and other public land users are urged to be aware of project areas and prescribed fire operations.  

For more information, please contact the Newcastle Field Office front desk at (307) 746-6600, Scott Manahan at (307) 746-6607, Jonathan Sloan at (307) 746-6647, or Dave Morrill (307) 749-6617.

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.