The BLM to conduct prescribed fire at Lake Mathews Reserve
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Fire crews from the California Desert Interagency Fire Program will treat up to three acres of public lands with prescribed fire in the Lake Mathews-Estelle Mountain Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Reserve in western Riverside County.
The prescribed fire will occur each day from Tuesday, May 16 through Thursday, May 18, 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 the burn, smoke may be visible from the community of Lake Mathews and the cities of Corona, Perris, and Riverside, as well as the State Route 91 and Interstate 15 freeways.
The prescribed fire provides an opportunity for students enrolled in the Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination course to practice investigation techniques alongside of experienced fire crews. In addition, the prescribed fire helps restore habitat for Stephens’ kangaroo rat. Prescribed fires will be extinguished by the end of each day.
The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive and this prescribed fire is part of an ongoing restoration effort. The approximately 15,000-acre reserve is cooperatively managed by the BLM, Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency, El Sobrante Landfill, and the Metropolitan Water District. In addition to the Stephens’ kangaroo rat, the reserve is home to the endangered coastal California gnatcatcher and several other sensitive 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.