The Bureau of Land Management Wind River/Bighorn Basin District tentatively plans to conduct three prescribed fire projects within the Cody and Worland field office areas this winter and spring. The BLM says it’s a part of its commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.

The projects may be conducted as early as this month, but will primarily take place March through May when weather conditions and fuel moisture conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn. Smoke may be visible at times during the operations.  

“These projects are designed for overall improvements to land, vegetation and wildlife habitat; to increase livestock and wildlife forage and improve distribution; and to reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, which lessens the probability of a severe wildfire,” said BLM Assistant Fire Management Officer Rance Neighbors.

Projects in the Cody Field Office area include on the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains, 16 miles east of Lovell and within Simmons Canyon and Mexican Hills areas. The efforts will target approximately 400 acres of conifer encroachment within mountain shrub sites to continue long-term improvements for big game and sage grouse habitat. 

Projects in the Worland Field Office area include Medicine Lodge, 5 miles northeast of Hyattville in the Medicine Lodge Wildlife Habitat Management Area and Noon Point, approximately 20 miles southwest of Meeteetse within the Gooseberry Creek Drainage. Projects will include mosaic sagebrush burning, encroaching conifer reduction and aspen enhancement on BLM-managed lands, as well as State of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and private lands. Each project will range from 200-800 acres and is anticipated to continue for the next two years or until completion. 

For more information, contact Neighbors at 307-347-5100.