By Lorena Williams
USDA San Juan National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. Burning operations may take place over multiple days, but are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Objectives of the burns include reduction of hazardous fuels, improving forage conditions for wildlife species, and reducing the risk of wildfire impacts to communities.
The following prescribed fire projects are planned and prepared for implementation if and when favorable conditions allow:
Pagosa Ranger District: Recent rainfall on some parts of the Pagosa Ranger District has exceeded two inches, and additional moisture is expected. The district anticipates beginning with the Brockover-Devil Prescribed Fire as early as September 15, pending all required approvals.
Brockover-Devil Prescribed Fire: This 2,450-acre unit is located in the Turkey Springs area, 8 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs and approximately ½ mile from the Hatcher Subdivision, immediately adjacent to NFSR roads 629 (Turkey Springs), 919 (Brockover) and 923 (Newt Jack Road). During operations smoke may be visible from Pagosa Springs, PLPOA, County Rd 600 between Highway 160 and Piedra River Trailhead, and Highway 160 between Timberline Ridge and downtown Pagosa Springs.
No official closures are expected but there will be traffic control in the following locations during burn operations:
NFSR 629, 919 and 923. Forest users should avoid National Forest System Trails 301, 303, 305, 313, 316, 319 and portions of 304 and 323 during burn operations.
8 Mile Mesa Prescribed Fire: This project is located 6.5 miles south of Pagosa Springs between Loma Linda and Lower Blanco. The 700-acre project area is broken into multiple units located along NFSR road 651, 651.B, 651.C, 651.D, 651.D1, and 651.E. During operations smoke may be visible from Pagosa Springs, Chromo, Hwy 84 between Echo Canyon Reservoir and Kenny Flats, County RD 335, and County RD 500 between Pagosa Junction and Pagosa Springs.
No official closures are expected but there will be traffic control in the following locations during burn operations:
651 road system below switchbacks through the 651.E junction.
For more information, please contact Pagosa Ranger District Fuels Specialist Brian Austin at brian.austin@usda.gov. or by phone at (970) 264-1541.
Lorena Williams is Communications Specialist for the San Juan National Forest.