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The Bureau of Land Management tentatively plans to conduct five controlled burns across the Big Horn Basin this spring.
The prescribed fire projects may be conducted from March through …
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The Bureau of Land Management tentatively plans to conduct five controlled burns across the Big Horn Basin this spring.
The prescribed fire projects may be conducted from March through May, and only when weather conditions and fuel moisture conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn, the BLM said. Smoke may be visible at times during the operations.
“These projects are designed for overall improvements to land, vegetation and wildlife habitat; to increase livestock and wildlife forage and improve distribution; and to reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, which lessens the probability of a severe wildfire,” said BLM Assistant Fire Management Officer Rance Neighbors.
Two project are planned in the Cody Field Office area.
On the West Slope, located 15 miles east of Lovell on the side of the Bighorn Mountains, the BLM plans to burn approximately 400 acres of juniper to continue long-term improvements to big game and sage-grouse habitat.
At the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area, approximately 55 acres of wetland vegetation have already been burned to enhance nesting and loafing habitat for waterfowl and upland bird species. The habitat management area is located 6 miles east of Lovell.
Another three BLM projects are planned in the Worland Field Office area: Medicine Lodge Wildlife Habitat Management Area northeast of Hyattville; in the Noon Point area, about 20 miles southwest of Meeteetse in the Gooseberry Creek Drainage; and at the Upper Pastures, which are located approximately 34 miles northwest of Thermopolis within the Cottonwood Creek drainage.
The Worland Field Office area projects will include mosaic sagebrush burning, encroaching conifer reduction and aspen enhancement on BLM-managed lands, as well as State of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and private lands. Each project will range from 200-800 acres and is anticipated to continue for the next two years or until completion.
The BLM said the Big Horn Basin projects are part of the agency’s “commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.”
For more information, contact Neighbors at 307-347-5100.
