BLM plans prescribed burn near Cordes Junction
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PHOENIX— The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Phoenix District is planning to conduct a 100-acre prescribed burn of hazardous fuels within the Agua Fria National Monument, for one to three days between January 19 – 21.
The BLM will choose the best days to ignite the fire when the weather conditions are most favorable. The burn will reduce encroaching juniper into grasslands, and improve the habitat of the pronghorn antelope.
Firefighters will ignite piles of juniper in the Sycamore Mesa area – approximately five miles northeast of Cordes Junction. The piles of juniper, which had encroached into the grassland mesas, were initially cut by the Bureau in order to improve grassland habitat for pronghorn and other wildlife species. The vegetation was thinned and then piled to dry. By thinning and burning the excess juniper, wildlife corridors are opened, predator cover is reduced, and forage for wildlife improves. The piles to be ignited are spread over approximately 100 acres so residents should expect some light smoke to be visible in the area during the burn operation. BLM firefighters will remain on the scene to control the burn and monitor public and resource safety
The BLM greatly appreciates your cooperation in protecting your public lands by helping to prevent unwanted wildfires. To report a wildfire call 911.
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.