fbpx

Tally Lake Ranger District Plans Prescribed Burns

By Beacon Staff

Smoke will be visible from around the valley while the Tally Lake Ranger District conducts prescribed fire projects. The Flathead National Forest is waiting for weather, fuel conditions and air quality become favorable before burning, according to a press release.

Prescribed burns are used throughout the forest to meet various management objectives, including returning fire to the ecosystem, maintaining or restoring plant communities and maintaining or improving wildlife habitat. Prescribed burns also help reduce hazardous fuel accumulations.

The news release said these projects will be in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with Montana State Department of Environmental Quality to reduce the impacts of smoke.

The project areas include:

Bill Creek Area: Up to three acres will be treated in spring 2012 to reduce hazardous fuel accumulation and maintain the presence of fire in the ecosystem. Smoke may be visible from various locations in the Flathead Valley.

Bootjack Lake Area/Farm to Market Road Area/Ashley Lake Area: Burning may start as soon as weather conditions are right and continue through June. These prescribed burns consist of hand piles that were created during a fuels reduction project. A total of 25 acres are planned for this spring.

For more information contact District Fire Management Officer Jim Reuter at 758-3522