BLM to conduct prescribed fire at Dos Palmas Preserve to improve wildlife habitat
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management and fire crews from the California Desert Interagency Fire Program will treat up to 160 acres of public lands with prescribed fire in the Dos Palmas Preserve in central Riverside County to restore habitat for the endangered pupfish and endangered Yuma Ridgway's rail.
Prescribed fires will occur in one day increments between Tuesday, Feb. 20 and Tuesday, April 30, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., when specific weather conditions allow for safe, successful burning and adequate smoke dispersion conditions are present. During this time, smoke may be visible from the community of North Shore and State Route 111.
“The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive and prescribed fire is part of an ongoing restoration effort at the Dos Palmas Preserve,” said Paul Gibbs, District Fire Management Officer.
The Preserve encompasses approximately 14,000 acres and is cooperatively managed by the BLM and the Center for Natural Lands Management. In addition to the palm oases, the Preserve is home to the desert pupfish and Yuma Ridgway’s rail and provides important wetland areas for several migratory bird species.
The California Desert Interagency Fire Program includes the BLM and National Park Service firefighting resources that cover Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park and BLM’s California Desert District. As an interagency unit, fire personnel share responsibilities and equipment to effectively manage the California Desert Fire Program.
For additional information, contact James Gannon, BLM fuels specialist at 951-903-4141. For BLM information regarding wildfire prevention, contact: California Desert District Office at 760-833-7100; Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office at 760- 384-5400.
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.