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Prescribed fires planned on Carpenter Ridge and West Dolores Rim 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to conduct prescribed fire treatments this fall in the Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices. Firefighters will reintroduce fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem in a controlled manner to protect Ponderosa pine stands, enhance wildlife habitat, restore healthy forests and species diversity, and maintain a fire-resilient landscape.

The Carpenter Ridge project area is located two miles outside of Paradox Valley, CO, between Q13 and R3 roads (Rimrocker Trail route). Firefighters plan to burn 200 acres of oak brush and pine tree litter. This project is planned to start the week of September 25th. The Rimrocker trail, Q13 and R5 roads will remain open but may experience some smoke impacts throughout the burning period. 

The West Dolores Rim project area, locally known as the “East and North Pines,” is located seven miles east of Dove Creek. Firefighters will use hand ignitions and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) on 1,200 acres of pine needle cast and mountain brush leaf litter. This project may start as early as September 22nd and will take multiple days to complete treatment.

Prescribed fire mimics natural processes under appropriate weather and vegetative conditions, which improves forage for wildlife, increases plant diversity by creating breaks in the understory where native grasses and forbs can thrive, and effectively reduces hazardous vegetation while enhancing woodland health.

The projects are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to protect human health and safety while maintaining or enhancing forest and woodland health and functionality. The BLM obtained smoke permits from the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit CO Dept of Public Health & Environment - Wood smoke and health.

More information on Southwest District prescribed fuel treatments at InciWeb_Southwest District BLM Prescribed Fire and follow our Facebook-BLM Southwest District or Twitter-@SWD_Fire pages.