QUEMADO, NM; Sept. 30, 2015 - Quemado Ranger District fire management personnel are preparing to conduct the 3,100-acre Slaughter Mesa prescribed fire approximately eight miles southeast of Quemado Lake. Ignitions may occur when conditions are favorable anytime from Oct. 19 through Dec. 19, 2015.

Support for this ongoing project is provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Big Game enhancement and Habitat Stamp Improvement Programs, Wild Turkey Federation, Secure Rural Schools Act and Natural Resource Conservation Services. About 530 acres were burned in spring 2015.

Objectives include improving forest health and watershed conditions, restoring grasslands, enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing hazardous fuels. This prescribed fire will restore pronghorn migration corridors to help prevent isolating the Slaughter Mesa pronghorn population.

The prescribed fire location is near the junction of Forest Road 93 (Dead Horse Canyon Rd.) and County Road A095 (Mangas Mountain Rd.) Smoke will be noticeable north of the project from Highway 60, to the west from Quemado Lake and Quemado Lake Estates and east of the project from Pie Town, NM. Please use caution if traveling near the prescribed burn area.

Prescribed fire is an effective tool managers use to lower the risk of future severe wildfire. Implementation of the project will depend on availability of personnel and equipment, New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau approval and the appropriate conditions. Fire managers follow a burn plan that outlines the "prescription" or environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, ventilation, and humidity that need to be met before the project begins.

If you have any questions, please call the Quemado Ranger District at 575-773-4678.

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