BLM to conduct prescribed burns south of Ely
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ELY, Nev. – Weather conditions permitting, the Bureau of Land Management Ely District in late October and early November will conduct prescribed burns in the Mt. Grafton Wilderness and on Mt. Washington, about 40 miles south-southeast of Ely, Nev. No closures are planned.
The 300-acre Mt. Grafton prescribed burn is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 29-31. The 70-acre Mt. Washington prescribed burn is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The Mt. Grafton prescribed burn is part of the South Steptoe Valley, and Cave and Lake Valley Watershed Restoration Projects that reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, and restore watershed health and improve Greater Sage-grouse and other wildlife habitat. The Mt. Washington prescribed burn, which will be conducted in coordination with Great Basin National Park, will regenerate aspen stands by removing encroaching conifers.
Area residents and motorists on U.S. Highway 93 can expect to see residual smoke from the burns for up to six weeks. Recreationists should be aware of an increase in fire vehicle traffic in the burn areas.
For more information, contact Rob Frisk, BLM Ely District prescribed fire and fuels specialist, or Cody Coombs, fuels program manager, at (775) 289-1800.
The BLM manages more than 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.