Starting next week, the Columbine Ranger District plans to burn up to 1,500 acres in the Sauls Creek area of the San Juan National Forest, about three miles southeast of Bayfield.
Burning could start as early as Monday, March 24, and continue intermittently through April 2. The burns will be south of County Road 527 and Forest Road 755.
No more than 250 to 400 acres will be burned each day to avoid smoke accumulation, but smoke might settle in nearby valleys overnight. Homes in Sauls Creek and Deer Valley Estates might be affected. Smoke might be visible from Highway 160 between Gem Village and Yellowjacket Pass, but it is not expected to settle along the highway or restrict visibility for drivers.
The Sauls Creek Trailhead and Ridge Trail might be closed temporarily while adjacent areas are burned. Otherwise, no closures are planned.
For more information, call the Columbine Ranger District at 884-2512.
