Prescribed burns restore vital habitat in the High Desert District

PINEDALE, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management’s High Desert District recently completed two spring prescribed burns aimed at improving wildlife habitat and reducing hazardous fuels across southwest Wyoming. Spanning approximately 182 acres, the burns were conducted in the Kemmerer and Pinedale field offices, with about 62 acres treated near Rock Tunp and 120 acres on Deadline Ridge.

Both burns are part of the broader Wyoming Range Mule Deer Habitat Project, a long-term restoration effort developed in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Mule Deer Initiative. The objective: reduce conifer encroachment, restore aspen stands, and improve vegetation conditions in crucial winter range, transition range and fawning habitat for mule deer and other big game. 

"These prescribed burns target forested areas where conifers are overtaking aspen stands. Aspen responds rapidly after fire, and early monitoring shows high success—new aspen and forb growth is already visible, and wildlife are actively using the treated areas,” said Ross Dary, fire management specialist for the BLM Wyoming High Desert District. “Not only does this improve habitat, but it also creates a more fire-resilient landscape.”

Photos from past burn sites show the early emergence of new plant life and signs of wildlife returning to the area—clear evidence of the ecological benefits of this long-practiced land management tool.

“Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem,” Dary added. “When used thoughtfully, prescribed fire helps promote healthy vegetation, supports wildlife, and reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the future.”

To stay informed about upcoming prescribed burns and other land management activities, visit https://www.blm.gov/wyoming and follow BLM Wyoming on Facebook or X for the latest updates and stories from the field.