February 29-March 2: BLM initiates prescribed burns in Socorro County

Socorro, N.M. - Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Socorro Field Office, in cooperation with private landowners, are schedule to burn draws of sacaton grass Feb. 29 through March 2; however, operations are weather dependent.

“Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to maintain a healthy ecosystem,” said BLM Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist Lino Baca. “By reducing the volume of vegetation under prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the danger and risk associated with wildfires.”

Location of these prescribed burns:

• Francisco Well Unit: 3-12 miles north of US Highway 380 and approximately 16 miles east-southeast of Socorro; and
• Walker Unit: East end of Socorro County and south of Hwy 380

Prescribed burns are important because they:

• Rejuvenate decadent grass;
• Reduce wildfire risk;
• Reduce tree encroachment into sacaton draws;
• Improve ecosystem health; and
• Enhance wildlife habitat.

Important Things to Know:

• Smoke may be visible in the project area for 2-4 days after completion of the burn.
• Prior to and during prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations.
• For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit www.airnow.gov.
• Prescribed fire is designed to accomplish specific objectives and is managed with firefighter and public safety as the highest priority.
• Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve public land health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter and public safety, enhance wildlife habitat and protect communities and watersheds.
• For details, go to Prescribed Fires in Socorro County.

For questions about the prescribed burn, contact BLM’s Socorro Field Office at (575) 835-0412, or follow implementation of this project at NMFireInfo.com or Facebook.com/nmfireinfo.