The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is implementing several
prescribed burns this week to improve forest health. Both prescribed burns will
consist of broadcast burning using hand ignition with drip torches and/or
aerial ignition using a helicopter and a helitorch or plastic sphere dispenser
(PSD). A helitorch is an aerial ignition
device attached below a helicopter that dispenses ignited gelled gasoline. A PSD disperses small plastic balls from a
helicopter or drone that ignite after hitting the ground. These two devices can be used to ignite
canopy and ground fuels to create the desired fuels reduction and canopy
openings. Numerous fire management
resources will be on scene before, during and after ignition to monitor and
manage fire activity.
St. Charles Prescribed Burn: The Montpelier
Ranger District will begin igniting the St. Charles prescribed burn beginning
Aug. 27. Hand burning operations will occur throughout the fall as conditions
allow. The project area is located approximately eight miles west of St.
Charles, Idaho. The objectives of this burn are to eliminate dense fuel loading
to reduce the risk of a high-intensity fire in the area, regenerate aspen
stands to promote wildlife habitat and increase overall plant diversity. For
more information, please contact the Montpelier Ranger District at
208-847-0375.
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| Fall Creek Prescribed Burn |
Fall Creek Aspen Improvement Project: On Thursday,
Aug. 22, the Palisades Ranger District started prescribed burn operations in
the Fall Creek Basin near Commissary and Fourth of July Ridges. Work will
continue throughout the week of Aug. 26 as conditions allow. The Fall Creek Aspen
Improvement Project was initiated by the CTNF in partnership with the Idaho
Dept. of Fish and Game in 2008 with the purpose of improving aspen stands and
diversifying vegetation communities to support wildlife. Forest officials have
treated 3,870 acres of the 24,000-acres project area since 2008. Three more
units remain to be treated over the next few years. Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation provided support and funding to complete this project. “Everything
is going really well on the ground,” said Martell Gibbons, Assistant Fire
Management Officer for the Palisades Ranger District. “The fire is meeting our
objectives and performing like we anticipated.”
Residual
smoke will remain in the area as interior pockets continue to burn. Expect
smoke following implementation until a significant wetting weather event
occurs. For more information contact the Palisades Ranger
District at 208-523-1412.
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| Fall Creek Project |
