For Release: Immediate
Contact: Tessy Shirakawa
Phone: 970-529-4628

Mesa Verde Prepares for Spring Prescribed Burn Near Far View Lodge

Mesa Verde will conduct a prescribed burn near Far View Lodge this spring to decrease hazardous fuel accumulation and improve conditions for native plants. The primary concern is the fine fuels that can quickly carry a fire toward park structures. Approximately 20 acres are planned for ignition. Fire managers hope for warm conditions to dry out surface fuels within the burn unit.

This fire project will reduce the fine fuels such as leaf litter and duff beneath the gambel oak and serviceberry shrub canopy, thereby lessening the risk of a dangerous crown fire. By reducing the leaf litter layer, a surface fire will not carry enough energy to preheat and dry out the canopy, enabling the fire to climb into the volatile crown. To protect pinyon and juniper trees in the prescribed burn area, leaf litter will be raked away from their bases.

These prescribed burns will only take place if and when optimum weather, fuel moisture, smoke dispersal parameters are met, which are identified in the project burn plan. For further information concerning the planned prescribed fire project, contact Brad Harris, acting Fire Management Officer at 970-529-5066.

~ NPS ~