If you see smoke off Dave Wood road this week, it may be a prescribed burn by the U.S. Forest Service. See below for more: Prescribed Burning On Dave Wood Road Delta, Colo., (May 19, 2014) – Fire officials for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests will be conducting prescribed burning beginning May 19 and likely continuing through the 22. The burn units are along the Dave Wood Road, approximately 15 miles southwest of Montrose, CO (see map provided). This work is dependent upon weather and fuel conditions; however, the forecasted weather is conducive to conducting these prescribed burns. The project is a combination of activities designed to reduce oak brush in the area and to burn the understory of ponderosa pine to emulate natural processes. Under-burning in the ponderosa pine will reduce understory vegetation (fuels), ladder fuels (vegetation that assists fires to burn up a tree and into the crown) and hopefully stimulate reproduction of ponderosa pine. Reduction of oak brush and other vegetation in the area will also enhance wildlife habitat and reduce the potential for future damage by large, catastrophic fires. A total of about 755 acres are planned to be burned, consisting of 4 units-A, B, C, and D. If conditions allow, additional unit(s) X, Y and Z may be included. A detailed burn plan outlines the parameters for the prescribed burn and contains specific criteria regarding weather conditions, staffing and air quality that must be met to help ensure control of the burn as well as to minimize the potential smoke impacts to local communities. The Forest Service obtained a Smoke Permit which identifies conditions for implementing the prescribed burn by the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division. Smoke may be visible in the area for several days after the burn is completed as vegetation in the interior of the burn continues to smolder. Fire crews will continue to monitor the burn area following completion of the burn to ensure public safety.
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 15:43:58 +0000