A 10-acre prescribed burn will take place in Mesa Verde National Park over the next two weeks, weather permitting. The burn is intended to reduce wildfire hazards and promote regeneration in a stand of ponderosa pine at the south end of Wetherill Mesa.
The burn area is comprised primarily of ponderosa pine, gamble oak, piñon and juniper. The fire is part of an effort to protect one of the last remaining stands of ponderosa pine in the park. Most other stands have suffered high mortality rates due to the recent drought, in combination with large, intense fires over the past 15 years.
Burning at this time of year should produce low-intensity fire behavior while still achieving desired fuel-reduction goals. Ignition operations should take one or two days, but the unit may produce smoke for several days afterward. Visitors to Mesa Verde may see smoke in the southwestern part of the part during these activities.
For more information, contact Steve Underwood, Mesa Verde Fire Management Officer, at 529-5049.