MNF - Prescribed Burning scheduled

Mendocino National Forest Prescribed Burning To Begin Soon On The Upper Lake and Covelo Ranger Districts

Upper Lake, September 18, 2008 - Prescribed burning projects will commence begining this fall and going through this spring on the Mendocino National Forest, as weather and fuel conditions moderate from the hot and dry conditions of summer. The majority of these burn projects are designed to improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels to help protect communities and forest resources from wildfires.

Cooler weather and higher moisture have been moving into the Lake and Mendocino County area. According to Terry Nickerson, Fuels Specialist for Upper Lake and Covelo Ranger Districts, this type of weather will make way for "burn windows". Burn Windows have to meet site-specific conditions and criteria in order to initiate and complete a prescribed burn. Since prescribed burning is highly dependant on weather conditions, these conditions are monitored closely before, during, and after a prescribed burn.

Fall, winter and spring weather often provide better conditions for prescribed burning. Over the next several months the public may see smoke in various parts of the forest. The prescribed burning program is usually completed by early-to-mid spring.

Prescribed burning is planned for the following general areas: Along Elk Mountain Road, in the areas of Howard Mill, Deer Valley, Boardman Ridge, High Valley, Horse Mountain, Tar Flat, Newhouse Ridge, Pine Mountain, Lake Pillsbury, and in the vicinity of the 2005 Hunter Fire (Buckhorn and Skidmore Ridge). Selected campgrounds, guard stations and miscellaneous pile burning will also be included in the prescribed burning operations.

Prescribed burning operations are an integral part of implementing the National Fire Plan and are used to help restore ecosystems, while managing the impacts of wildfires on communities and the environment. More information on prescribed burning is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino. Additionally, prescribed fire announcements will be placed at local Ranger Stations prior to implementation.