BLM to conduct prescribed fire projects in the Bighorn Basin
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WORLAND, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Wind River/Bighorn Basin District tentatively plans to conduct three prescribed fire projects within the Cody and Worland field office areas this winter and spring as part of the BLM’s commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.
The prescribed fire projects may be conducted as early as January but will primarily take place March through May, and only when weather conditions and fuel moisture conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn. Smoke may be visible at times during the operations.
“These projects are designed for overall improvements to land, vegetation and wildlife habitat; to increase livestock and wildlife forage and improve distribution; and to reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, which lessens the probability of a severe wildfire,” said BLM Assistant Fire Management Officer Rance Neighbors.
Projects in the Cody Field Office area:
• West Slope: Located 16 miles east of Lovell on the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains. Within the Simmons Canyon and Mexican Hills areas, approximately 400 acres of conifer encroachment will be targeted within mountain shrub sites to continue long-term improvements to big game and sage grouse habitat.
Projects in the Worland Field Office area:
• Medicine Lodge: Located approximately 5 miles northeast of Hyattville in the Medicine Lodge Wildlife Habitat Management Area.
• Noon Point: Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Meeteetse within the Gooseberry Creek Drainage.
Worland Field Office area projects will include mosaic sagebrush burning, encroaching conifer reduction and aspen enhancement on BLM-managed lands, as well as State of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and private lands. Each project will range from 200-800 acres and is anticipated to continue for the next two years or until completion.
For more information, contact Rance Neighbors at (307) 347-5100.
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.