The Journal

San Juan National Forest’s Dolores Ranger District will conduct prescribed fires starting next week.

Burning operations will take place over several days when weather and fuel conditions are favorable and may continue into the fall season based on conditions. Both hand and aerial ignition methods may be utilized, following the weather, fuel and smoke parameters stated in the prescribed fire plan.

Operations will be conducted by Forest Service personnel with assistance from cooperating agencies. Reintroduction of prescribed fire improves and restore vegetative conditions. This effort will reduce hazardous ground fuels, lessen the risk of unplanned large wildfire and help improve ponderosa pine stands and wildlife habitat.

These areas will be targeted for prescribed fire implementation:

Haycamp Mesa: 10 miles east of Dolores along Haycamp Mesa Road, (NFSR 556). Boggy Draw: 3 to 15 miles northeast of Dolores, along the Dolores-Norwood Road near Little Bean Canyon, Boggy Draw Road (NFSR 527) and Cottonwood Canyon Road (NFSR 532).Salter: 7 to 15 miles east of Cahone, near Salter Y and Ormiston Point Road (NFSR 521).Forest visitors should use caution on the trails following burn operations. Maps of the prescribed fire area and prescribed fire program news are available at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6288/.

During burning operations in Dolores, smoke may be visible in Mancos, Dolores, Dove Creek, Cortez and Highway 491 between Dove Creek and Pleasant View.

For more information, call 882-6834.