The San Juan National Forest plans to conduct a prescribed burn sometime in the next few weeks on about 1,100 acres in the Sauls Creek area about five miles east of Bayfield.
The earliest burning might start this weekend, depending on weather. No more than 250 to 450 acres will be burned per day to reduce impacts from the smoke.
The prescribed fire will be set and monitored by trained firefighters to keep flames at low intensity and close to the ground. The desired effect is to burn undergrowth and ground debris, but leave larger trees alive.
Wind, moisture, and other factors will be taken into account to determine the timing. Exact dates will not be set until just prior to the burn.
"Sauls Creek has been the site of several past prescribed burns, and this latest project will continue to keep fuel accumulations at a safe level in the national forest," said burn boss Hon Schlapfer. "The goal is to reduce the intensity of future wildfires."
The project is also designed to improve the health of ponderosa stands by reducing competition from Gamble oak, removing ground litter to expose mineral soil for seed germination, and releasing natural minerals and nutrients into the soil. The prescribed burn will also improve habitat for deer and elk by causing re-sprouting of oak and allowing sunlight to stimulate the growth of grasses and forbs.
Daytime smoke is expected to travel to the north/northeast go high into the atmosphere, affecting local residents minimally. However, nighttime smoke will travel downslope into the Beaver Creek drainage and south to the Pine River just north of Ignacio. Smoke will be heavier in the mornings following burning operations, lifting out by mid-day.
Sauls Creek Road (FDR 608A) will be closed at different points as burn operations progress. Burned areas will not open to recreation until declared safe, and people are encouraged to use discretion when traveling through post-burn areas.
For more information, contact the Columbine Ranger District at 884-2512.
