Firefighters plan prescribed burn in Palisade Watershed
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit are planning to conduct a prescribed fire on the Palisade Watershed, Thursday, if conditions remain favorable.
The April 24 prescribed burn could produce smoke on the slopes of the Grand Mesa that may be visible in the Grand Valley. An agreement completed among the Bureau of Land Management, the Town of Palisade and City of Grand Junction identified a need to remove heavy fuel loads in the Palisade Watershed. The agreement outlines the plans for the 646-acre Palisade Watershed prescribed fire, which is designed to improve environmental conditions and remove fuel loads about seven miles southeast of Palisade.
The prescribed fire will target oak brush and other shrubs on 588 acres owned by the Town of Palisade and 59 acres managed by the BLM.
Because this area hasn't burned in a number of years, a large amount of debris and other fuel for wildfires has built-up. This burn will decrease fuel loads, helping to reduce the risk of a much larger wildfire. A prescribed fire will burn much less intensely than a wildfire but will still be effective at reducing fuel loads in the area. The planned burn will also improve wildlife habitat by stimulating new, more nutritious plant production in the burned area.
A detailed prescribed fire plan has been developed, and appropriate smoke permits have been obtained from the State of Colorado.
This prescribed fire will only be conducted if weather conditions are safe for effective burning and smoke dispersal.
For more information about these planned prescribed fires, contact Lathan Johnson, (970) 244-3120.
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.