BLM Plans Bighorn Basin Burns This Spring

Both the Cody and Worland Offices are planning prescribed burns between March and May to improve landscapes and habitats near Lovell, Meeteetse, and Ten Sleep.

The Bureau of Land Management Wind River/Bighorn Basin District plans to conduct prescribed fire projects within the Cody and Worland field office areas this spring as part of the B.L.M.’s commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive.

“These projects are designed to improve overall land health, restore vegetation communities, and increase wildlife habitat,” said B.L.M. Assistant Fire Management Officer Rance Neighbors. “They will also reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, which lessens the probability of a severe wildfire.”

Courtesy BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Office

The prescribed fire projects may be conducted from March through May, and when weather conditions and fuel moisture conditions are favorable for a safe and effective burn. Smoke may be visible at times during the operations.

Projects in the Cody Field Office area:

• West Slope: 16 miles east of Lovell along the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains. Includes:
  • Simmons Canyon and Mexican Hills area (200 acres)
  • Pete’s Canyon and George’s Spring area (200 acres)
  • Porcupine Creek and Dugan Bench area (300 acres)
  • Absaroka Front/Foothills: 13 miles northwest of Meeteetse in the Short Fork Creek area (500 acres)

Projects in the Worland Field Office area:

• Medicine Lodge: 5 miles northeast of Hyattville in the Medicine Lodge Wildlife Habitat Management Area (200 acres)
• Noon Point: 20 miles southwest of Meeteetse within the Gooseberry Creek Drainage (250 acres)
• Hooligan Springs: 10 miles northeast of Ten Sleep near Markham Draw (50 acres)

Mileage from towns and project acreage are approximate. Some of the prescribed fire projects include the State of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and private lands, in addition to B.L.M.-managed lands. Projects may continue in future years until completion.

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