April 6 , 2006
Contact: Rey Adame
307-352-0399

Rock Springs BLM Prepares for Willow Tree Springs Prescribed Burn

The Bureau of Land Management is planning to begin firing operations on the Willow Tree Springs Prescribed Burn on Saturday April 8, 2006. The Willow Tree Springs project is located approximately 30 to 35 miles south of Rock Springs. The project area is encompassed by Highway 191 on the west, the top of Mellor Mountain on the North and east and County Road 34 (Salt Wells Basin Road) on the south.

BLM plans to treat approximately 900 acres of sagebrush/mountain shrub and aspen vegetation types within a 3,000 acre burn block. Project objectives are to improve watershed and fisheries habitat conditions in upper Sage Creek, reduce hazardous fuels and to improve terrestrial wildlife habitat.

This project is anticipated to take 3-4 days. The boundary of the project has been signed along the highway and all access roads to the project area. Travel on Highway 191 should be uninterrupted, however, BLM asks that all travelers to slow down and use caution from Milepost 25 to Milepost 35. Given prevailing and forecasted wind direction, the BLM does not expect smoke to be a problem for those using Highway 191, but be prepared to slow down or stop should smoke conditions limit visibility.

For more information contact Thor Stephenson at the BLM office in Rock Springs at 307-352-0369.

-BLM-