BTNF plans Spring Prescribed Fires
Kemmerer Ranger District
April 25, 2005
The Kemmerer Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) is planning to ignite several prescribed fires this spring. The controlled burns are being used to meet a variety of objectives identified by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, such as wildlife habitat improvement, range improvement for livestock and hazard fuel reduction. Areas on the southern end of the Forest that are planned for ignition are in the Fontenelle Creek, Ham’s Fork and South Labarge Creek drainages.
The Fontenelle Allotment Willow Burn is an ongoing project that was initiated in the spring of 2003 and has a total of 4 separate burn areas identified along the creek. The 140-acres planned for burning this spring, will result in the removal of dead and dying willows, sage brush and grasses within the drainage bottom to provide increased forage for moose, elk and domestic cattle. This burn area is located approximately 36-miles north of Kemmerer.
Approximately 150-acres of willows, sagebrush and grass are planned to be burned in the Ham’s Fork drainage, north of the Ham’s Fork Campground and approximately 40-miles north of Kemmerer. The Ham’s Fork Willow Burn is comprised of two units, with the second to be burned in the future. Another potential burn project will include the ignition of hand piles located around Scaler Guard Station. This project is located approximately 49-miles north of Kemmerer in the South Labarge drainage.
While specific dates for these burns have not been set, ignition will proceed when appropriate weather conditions exist. Estimates for ignition dates for the Fontenelle Allotment Willow Burn and the Ham’s Fork Willow Burn will be from May 1- May 31. Estimated dates for the Scaler Fuels project will be from May 15- June 30. Upon determination of a burn date, the Bridger-Teton will notify local radio stations to announce the controlled fire activity.
Flames may be visible during active burning
operations and smoke will be evident in the vicinity, especially in mountain valleys during the early morning hours of the burn period. Local residents and visitors are asked to exercise caution in the vicinity of actively burning units and are encouraged to contact the Kemmerer Ranger District at (307) 877-4415 for additional details.
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