For The Journal

Spring weather is providing opportunities to continue prescribed burning on the Moab/Monticello Ranger District. Areas where the public may see smoke include Buckeye Reservoir northwest of Paradox, Colorado; Lackey Basin north of La Sal, Utah; and Johnson Creek north of Blanding, Utah.

Burn crews may be lighting areas of the landscape over multiple days. The burns are expected to occur over several weeks through June.

Burns help reduce hazardous fuels in the forest, increase new growth and habitat for wildlife, and add nutrients back to soils. In some areas, this natural disturbance promotes aspen growth in areas where stands have been in decline.

Fire managers work to minimize smoke impacts to area residents and visitors. Areas will be posted to encourage the public to use public lands elsewhere during active prescribed burns. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. Information is available in Moab at 435-259-7155 and in Monticello at 435-587-2041.

Report new wildfires to the Moab Interagency Fire Center at (435) 259-1850.