The San Juan Forest Dolores Ranger District plans to burn slash piles generated from forest thinning and timber sales in the Chicken Creek, Burnt Ridge, Spring Creek, Tayler Mesa and Lake Canyon areas.

Although burning could continue through April, the burns are not expected to affect public access or use of the forest. Operations typically take place after snowfall, and firefighters will ignite and monitor the burns.

Burns are planed in:

The Chicken Creek area, seven miles north of Mancos. Piles may be burned near National Forest System Road 559, 2 miles northeast of Joe Moore Reservoir. Smoke may be visible from Colorado Highway 184.

The Burnt Ridge area, 7 miles northeast of Mancos. Piles may be burned near Forest National Forest System Roads 556, 331, and 329. Smoke may be visible from Colorado 184.

The Spring Creek area, 12 miles north of Mancos: Piles may be burned near National Forest System Roads 327 and 382. Smoke may be visible from Colorado 184.

The Taylor Mesa Area, 8 miles northeast of the confluence of the Dolores and West Dolores Rivers. Piles may be burned near National Forest System road 547 and Fox Den Creek. Smoke may be visible along Colorado Highway 145.

The Lake Canyon Area, 10 miles east of Dove Creek. Piles may be burned near National Forest System Roads 504/505 near Big Water Spring, 509 near Glade Point, and 506 near Cow Canyon. Smoke may be visible from U.S. 491.

For additional information, please contact the Dolores District Office at 970 882-7296.