Treatments on public lands, managed by the BLM Arizona Strip District, reduce wildfire risk and protect cultural and natural resources
To decrease the risk of future wildfires and protect cultural and natural resources, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Arizona Strip District anticipates initiating prescribed fire treatments this spring and fall, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow.
The Saddle prescribed fire treatment will take place 65 miles south of St. George, Utah near Mt. Trumbull along County Road 5, BLM Road 1783, and BLM Road 1781. This prescribed fire treatment will focus on reducing the surface fuels and help maintain the desired vegetation conditions and enhance the overall health and resiliency of the stand.
The Twin Points prescribed fire treatment will take place 85 miles south of St. George, Utah along the BLM 1019 Road, south of Oak Grove Cabin and west of Mt. Dellenbaugh. This prescribed fire treatment will focus on reducing slash that was previously cut and scattered as part of a vegetation reduction treatment focusing on encroaching pinyon-juniper trees. Saddle and Twin Points treatments are anticipated to occur during the month of May.
To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will conduct treatments only when weather conditions are conducive to safely burn. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Visitors to this region of the Arizona Strip may see some light smoke during the burn operation. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations. No local road closures are expected but public access may be restricted during ignition to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted to notify the public. Please use caution when traveling near the project area.
Funding for these treatments came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. The legislation provides funds for fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.
Original source can be found here.