The Bureau of Land Management will conduct a prescribed fire project this fall 17 miles east of Lovell in the Mexican Hills and Cow Creek areas. Approximately 400 acres are targeted within the mountain shrub community and its adjacent forested drainages.

Burning may start as soon as Oct. 7 and could continue for 3-4 days if weather and fuel moisture conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn. Smoke may be visible at times during the operations.

Prescribed fire in this area will reduce dense shrub stands and conifer encroachment, and promote new growth of native grasses, forbs and shrubs, resulting in high nutritional value forage. In the timbered drainages, reducing stand densities creates openings for new understory growth and provides security habitat and cover for mule deer fawns. In addition, reducing the dense buildup of fuels lessens the possibility of a severe wildfire, which is key to not only preserving habitat and watershed health, but also helps firefighters safely and successfully fight future wildfires.

For more information, contact Fire Management Specialist Tim Haas at 307-578-5900.