BLM to continue prescribed fire operations near San Pedro
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TAOS, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office will continue prescribed burn operations near San Pedro, N.M., throughout the month of January. The agency began burn operations in November with the intent to burn up to 200 acres near San Pedro in two units. The first unit is located on BLM-managed lands in Santa Fe County on the south side of NM Highway 344, approximately one mile east of NM Highway 14 and NM Highway 344. The second unit on Verbina Road was completed during the November burn operations. This location is on lands managed by the State of New Mexico to the east of the first unit.
This operation is weather-dependent. On burn days, the San Pedro area will be closed for all activities, including target shooting. If you plan to visit the area, check whether it is a burn day by contacting the BLM Taos Field Office. Motorists should drive cautiously and reduce speed in the area due to the presence of fire personnel and equipment. The area is not open to the public during burn operations.
The purpose of the project is to reduce flammable accumulations of vegetation around the community of San Pedro on BLM managed lands and to improve the health of the piñon/juniper woodland. Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to reduce fire hazards and reinvigorate vegetation. By reducing the volume of vegetation under the prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with unplanned wildfires.
Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. People who are either susceptible to or affected by COVID-19 may have health conditions that also make them vulnerable to smoke exposure. For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management/.
For further information, please contact the BLM Taos Field Office at 575-758-8851. You can also follow the implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com, on Twitter @nmfireinfo, or on facebook.com/nmfireinfo.
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.