Mesa Verde NP Plans Prescribed Fire Project Near Park Entrance
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Contact: Tessy Shirakawa, 970-529-4628
Mesa Verde National Park fire managers are planning a prescribed fire project scheduled for sometime between April 20 and May 8, 2009. This controlled burn will take place in the far northeast corner of the park adjacent to US Highway 160 and the main park entrance road. Approximately 30 acres are planned for ignition depending on weather and fuel conditions. Objectives of the burn are to restore the historic pasture land near the entrance which has been invaded by the exotic grass smooth brome. The burn will also prepare the area for landscaping in conjunction with the planned construction of the new park Curatorial and Research Center. Park fire and natural resource staff plan to seed the area with native grasses following the burn. This controlled burn will only take place if optimum weather and smoke dispersal parameters are met. For further information concerning the planned prescribed fire activities, please contact Allen Farnsworth, Mesa Verde Fire Management Officer, at 970-529-5049.
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Did You Know?
Ninety percent of Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings contain 10 rooms or less. One-third have only one or two rooms. This should help to put the more famous cliff dwellings of Cliff Palace (150 rooms), Long House (150 rooms), Spruce Tree House (130 rooms), and Balcony House (40 rooms) into perspective.