Prescribed Burns Continue in McKinley and Sandoval Counties
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Due to lack of moisture in early winter, two prescribed burns originally scheduled for November-December 2016 are expected to be conducted this month. Weather permitting, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will continue conducting prescribed burns that include approximately 20 acres along the Perea Nature Trail in the Rio Salado Riparian Area and another area approximately 300 acres within the Ignacio Chavez and Chamisa Wilderness Study Areas (Mesa Chivato). During the burn, for safety reasons, the gate to the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area will be closed.
The Rio Salado Riparian Area burn will target non-native salt cedar and Russian olive, and is approximately 1 mile south of San Ysidro off of Highway 550. The Mesa Chivato burn is comprised of ponderosa pine, piñon, and juniper, and is west of Highway 550, located approximately 15 miles southwest of San Luis, New Mexico.
Historic uses and active fire suppression have interrupted the natural fire regime in this fire dependent ecosystem. This has resulted in hazardous fuel accumulations and increased stand densities, which contribute to the decline of wildlife habitat and the potential of catastrophic wildfire.
For additional information about this prescribed burn, please contact Fire Management Officer Todd Richards at 505-761-8769 or Supervisory Range Technician Pete Rivera at 505-761-8943.
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.