Projects along New Mexico Highway 35 will reduce hazardous fuels near private lands
MIMBRES, NM, April 25, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District plans to implement multiple prescribed burns throughout May, as permitted by weather, fuels conditions, and staffing. The district plans to conduct three prescribe fire projects starting as early as May 1. These projects include:
- 100-acre Rendezvous Prescribed Fire project adjacent to Sapillo Campground and the Gattons Park neighborhood,
- the 165-acre Heifer Prescribed Fire project – also located adjacent to Gattons Park, and
- the 1000-acre Gravel Prescribed Fire unit located off the Lincoln Canyon Road (USFS Road 4079-T).
“These prescribed burns are scheduled to occur any time when conditions are conducive to burning during the month of May,” said Wilderness District Ranger Henry Provencio.
“The objective is to restore fire back to the landscape within fire-adapted ecosystems, utilize fire to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to private property and within the wildland urban interface.” The project areas will be signed and posted for public awareness during prescribed fire activities.
Portions of these prescribed burns will take place along NM State HWY 35. Intermittent delays on Highway 35 should be expected, and coordination with the NM-DOT will take place by district fire management personnel. Access to roads and dispersed camping may be limited in the project areas. If area and road closures are implemented for portions of these prescribed fire projects, separate notifications and posting will be released and posted. Signage will also be posted at access points to all treatment areas.
Smoke may be visible from the communities of Lake Roberts, Mimbres, and San Lorenzo. There will be smoke impacts to NM Highway 35, the Mimbres, and Sapillo drainages, and the community of Mimbres. Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau’s regulations are met. Smoke-sensitive individuals and those with respiratory or heart-disease should take precautionary measures. Air quality information and health protection measures are posted online by the NM Department of Health at: NM Fire Info | Smoke Management.
For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.