By Roger Lanse

The Silver City Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service informed listeners Thursday, March 17, at the National Guard Armory in Santa Clara of a proposed wildlife improvement project consisting of a 2,010-acre prescribed burn within the Fort Bayard Wildlife Refuge. The project focuses on improving habitat for deer and elk.

The burn is estimated to begin the second week of April, 2016, and be completed three days later, Jesse Searles, Trainee Burn Boss said. A temporary closure order will be in effect for eight sections within and outside the burn area, Searles stated. The igniting will commence in the northwest corner of the burn area and depend on southerly or southwesterly winds to spread the blaze throughout the area. Burning will not occur if north or northeast winds prevail.

 Smoke monitors will be placed at the Fort Bayard Hospital and in Mimbres Valley.

Randy Villa, Grant County Fire Management Officer, and Searles, emphasized that county volunteer fire departments would be assisting along with USFS personnel. They pointed out that the VFDs are always anxious to get on the ground with a fire to practice and gain experience. Water tanks will be placed in the area to be used if there are issues and the VFDs will also have water tenders on hand. GǣWe always have the minimum resources necessary, but additionally, have people on contingency that we can call if something unforeseen happens,Gǥ Searles said.

Before a burn is initiated, winds, temperature, humidity, moisture content of fuels and other factors are considered. GǣThereG