BLM planning prescribed fires on Douglas Mountain in western Moffat County
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Craig, CO – The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office is planning to conduct two prescribed fires the week of April 6 in the Douglas Mountain area 30 miles west of Maybell to reduce the threat from large wildland fires and improve forest and range health.
Northwest Colorado Fire Management fire personnel will only ignite the burns if weather and fuel conditions are favorable.
The objective of the 481-acre Seven Springs prescribed fire near Five Springs Draw is to reduce the threat of large wildland fires that would pose a danger to area ranches, the community of Greystone and stands of Ponderosa Pine by reducing ground and ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are vegetation that can carry a fire burning in low-growing shrubs to taller trees. The ground or surface vegetation will be burned in a mosaic pattern to vary the age of the plants and leave cover for wildlife.
The Teepee prescribed fire is targeting 480-acres in primarily in brush and grass to help control noxious weeds. Crews burned 95 acres of the target area this spring.
“Spring green-up will soon limit our ability to successfully use prescribed fire to achieve our project goals,” said Dale Beckerman BLM Fuels Specialist.
Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored. Each prescribed burn has a detailed fire plan developed in advance with pre-determined parameters along with appropriate smoke permits. The burn will only be initiated if conditions are ideal for safe and effective fires. For more information please contact the Little Snake Field Office at 970-826-5000.
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.