The San Juan National Forest’s Columbine Ranger District plans to burn slash piles beginning in early January.
These piles were generated from forest-thinning projects to improve forest health, resiliency and mitigate wildfire risk. Although burning could continue through March, these activities should not affect public access or use of the forest. Operations typically take place after snowfall and firefighters will ignite and closely monitor burning activities.
The slash piles are located along Fosset Gulch Road in the HD Mountains, south of U.S. Highway 160, east of Bayfield, and west of the Piedra River. Smoke may be visible from Highway 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, as well as from Highway 151 north of Arboles.
For more information about how prescribed fire smoke may affect health, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
For more information, call the Columbine Ranger District at 884-1425.
