Fire managers will implement a prescribed fire project at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The burn is scheduled to begin the week of July 11.

Approximately 40 acres within wetland habitat will be burned at Bosque del Apache. Large piles of mixed cottonwood and small brush piles will be burned to create additional habitat for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse in addition to moist soil habitat for waterbird species. Fire will remove heavy concentrations of dead and down fuels within the unit recycling nutrients, creating a reinvigorated, healthy wet meadow plant community.

It is expected that it will take two to four days to complete the project. The burn piles will produce large columns of visible smoke throughout the Socorro Valley and surrounding areas. The smoke is anticipated to dissipate within several hours of ignition. The burns will be conducted under a strict set of guidelines and weather parameters to provide for public and firefighter safety.  If unsafe weather conditions exist, the burn will be rescheduled.

It is anticipated that the tour loop will not need to be closed. Signs will be placed informing the public of potential short term tour loop closures.

For more information, contact Mike Smith, NM Fire Zone Fire Management Specialist, at 505-388-4578.

 

El Defensor Chieftain