Shoshone National Forest to Burn Thousands of Acres This Spring

Shoshone National Forest officials are planning to burn thousands of acres in the northern half of the forest this spring. While exact times and dates aren’t avaialble, regional residents night see some smoky skies earlier than they might anticipate.

Weather will dictate when and where fire management personnel complete the prescribed burns. During these yet-to-be-determined times, smoke may be visible in surrounding areas.

There are several objectives of these prescribed fire projects – improve aspen regeneration, reduce slash piles from recent timber harvests, and improve forage for wildlife. In addition, completion of the projects will also help reduce hazardous fuels, aiming to decrease the intensity of any future wildfires in the area.

Courtesy US Forest Service

Prescribed fire projects may be implemented in the following areas over the coming months:

• Approximately 90 acres east of Dead Indian Summit along Wyoming Highway 296
• Up to 800 acres near the junction of Wyoming Highway 296 and US Highway 212
• Up to 900 acres in the Sunlight Creek Drainage
• Up to 900 acres in Cottonwood Creek and Gooseberry Creek Drainages southwest of Meeteetse
• Up to 1000 acres within the Wood River Drainage primarily within the South Fork of the Wood River, Middle Fork of the Wood River, and Brown Creek
• Up to 600 acres within the Dick Creek, Timber Creek, and Francs Fork Drainages, along the face of the mountains
• 100 acres in the Elk Creek Drainage

Prior to the start of any prescribed fire project, adjacent landowners will be notified and signs will be posted in nearby areas.

For more information, please contact North Zone Fire Management Officer Beau Kidd at (307) 578 – 5206 or the Wapiti, Clarks Fork, and Greybull Ranger Districts Office at 307.527.6921.