Prescribed burn planned in Gros Ventre area
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 15, 2008
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is planning to ignite a prescribed burn this week in the lower Gros Ventre drainage approximately 19-miles northeast of Jackson in the Red Hills and Lavender Hills area. The Forest is hoping to burn 2000-acres of shrubs, and conifers in this portion of the Forest. The goal is to improve the aspen stands and promote better grasses and habitat for bighorn sheep, elk and deer throughout the Lower Gros Ventre area.
The fire will be applied to the Forest using a helicopter flying overhead and dropping a burning gel from the air. While the Forest won’t be closing the area to visitors, people entering the vicinity are asked to be careful, and to stay clear of the fire operations. "This is a very efficient way for us to get the fire going on the ground, but we need visitors to be cautious when moving about the area," said District Ranger Dale Deiter. "People recreating near Slate Creek, Horsetail Creek and Ditch Creek might encounter smoke, and burning fuels from this prescribed fire," he said.
Partnering with the Bridger-Teton to increase the availability of wildlife forage and improve vegetation through the use of this fire is: the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming Game and Fish Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Fire and EMS and the National Elk Refuge. "We are fortunate to have these partners aid us in reducing these conifer-dominated stands of trees for the benefit of the winter range habitat in this portion of the Forest," said Deiter. "We expect to see a good mosaic pattern of vegetation left on the ground and an ultimate end result of vigorous grasses and healthy aspen stands as a result of this fire treatment," he said.
Actual ignition will depend on weather conditions and fire behavior predictions for the upcoming days. Flames may be visible during the active burning operation and smoke will be evident in the vicinity, especially in mountain valleys during the early morning hours of the burn period. Local residents are encouraged to contact the Bridger-Teton for any additional questions at 307-739-5424.
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