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SFNF Plans Multiple Prescribed Burns this Fall for a More Resilient Landscape

By SFNF

Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are planning to take advantage of favorable conditions this fall to conduct prescribed burns across the forest to remove hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and create healthier, more resilient forest and watershed ecosystems.

Depending on conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecasted weather, the forest’s window to implement these prescribed burns is Sept. 16 to Nov. 30. The SFNF will issue additional notifications about each project based on fire managers’ expectations for implementation.

Prescribed fire is part of a science-based framework for managing ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer forests like the SFNF to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire and allow low-intensity fire to play its natural role in a frequent-fire ecosystem. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives and will be managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Jemez Ranger District

  • Stable Canyon unit: 1,555 acres just east of Porter Landing
  • Joaquin North unit: 1,750 acres north of Joaquin Canyon on the west side of Forest Road (FR) 376 and south of FR 534

Cuba Ranger District

  • La Jara unit: 338 acres 1 mile east of the community of La Jara
  • Diego unit: 374 acres 2-3 miles east of the Rancho del Chaparral Girl Scout Ranch
  • Golondrino unit: 2,386 acres 7 miles east of Llaves and 15 miles north of Gallina

Coyote Ranger District

  • La Presa unit: 1,200 acres near FR 473 adjacent to the Rio Chama Wilderness

Espanola Ranger District

  • Santa Fe Watershed unit: 350 acres north of Nichols Reservoir near Granite Point
  • Borrego Mesa unit: 100-175 acres on Borrego Mesa 5 miles east of Cordova and 5 miles south of Truchas

Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District

  • East Rowe Mesa unit: 4,200 acres on Rowe Mesa 10 miles south of Pecos

Smoke from the prescribed burns will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for additional information. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com,www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF and Twitter @SantafeNF.

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