Prescribed Burns Planned for Fall 2018
Written by broebling on September 10, 2018
Press Release – Bighorn National Forest Supeprvisor Andrew Johnson has announced that several prescribed burns will be conducted this fall, depending on favorable weather conditions over the next few months. These burns are being conducted to reduce fuel loadings, improve wildlife habitat, and increase range forage. The burns target over-mature sagebrush and conifer encroachment into shrublands and meadows. Partial funding will be provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. A map is available on the Forest’s webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/bighorn/home and visitors are encouraged to contact individual Districts for further information.
On the Medicine Wheel District, burns are planned for the Beaver Creek area near Hunt Mountain, and in the Matthews Ridge area northeast of Hyattville. Combined, approximately 500 acres of burning may occur with these project areas.
On the Powder River Ranger District, burns are planned for the Tensleep Canyon and Canyon Creek areas, totaling approximately 500 acres.
On the Tongue Ranger District, burns are planned for the Prospect Creek near Granite Pass, and Schuler Park near Burgess Junction. Combined, approximately 500 acres of burning may occur.
Smoke may be visible from communities surrounding the Bighorn National Forest, but is not likely to impact any of the communities. Burns will be conducted to minimize the impact to hunters and other recreationists by signing the areas intended for burning, by limiting the impact of safety closures to the days of the burns, and by announcing specific burn days on social media and the Forest’s webpage, and other outreach sources.
