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Show ; " ' ' "-f ... 1 , 1 , t - ' ;; ' ' - i . ? i v- ; --,,.4 i - v yyt jj If. . v : ; ; f .; : : Tv y yr - V? yy-y r 1 VMy' ' " "; h:!vi .. - -. p New foliage take hold in Sweetwater Canyon nearly a year after a controlled burn. Within two years, cattle are permitted to graze the are after a burn. Controlled burns improve vhousands ov BLAA eocreeage The charcoaled remains of 3,500 acres of sagebrush may appear as a total loss, but that is not always the case as many of these acres were improved by controlled burning. Over a year before an area is cindered in a controlled burn, all agencies involved make an analysis of the area to determine its effect. An archaeologist will examine the area to locate any artifacts which the fire may destroy. Wildlife personnel will make an analysis of the area to project the effect the burn will have on wildlife. These facts are compiled into an environmental statement which is subject to public comment. From this statement a burning plan is developed. In developing a burning plan, manpower, pumping units, and area to be burned will be determined, said Jim Glenn, fire control officer for the Bureau of Land Management. "I have three pumper units and experienced fire fighters to control the burn," Glenn said. The controlled burn averages between 200 to 1,000 acres. Included in the burn plan will be the weather conditions, which will be ideal for the burn, Glenn said. These include wind, temperature and humidity. Usually a controlled burn will begin in the afternoon when the temperature is ideal. The smallest burn we have done was 200 acres. "There is basically two areas where we will try a controlled burn in sagebrush canyons and old chained areas which are being overtaken with pinions," Glenn said. During the last three years the BLM has burned about 3,500 acres. The main reason for the controlled bums is to clear areas for easier access and to open it up to better grazing conditions both for cattle and wildlife, Glenn said. "Immediately after a burn new wheat grasses will begin to grow and wild browses which are better foliage for wildlife. Two years after a burn, cattle are allowed to graze the area. "There is a marked increase in the number of wildlife in the area and a significant increase in its use for cattle," Glenn said. Glenn recognizes that there are other ways to clear BLM land of wanted foliage, but burning is the most economical about $1 per acre." "Chaining and chemical cost between $15 and $20 per acre," he said. The BLM is planning three controlled burns in the Bookcliffs area where most of this year's burns have taken place. Later this year they will burn Boulevard Ridge, Dick Canyon and Lone Springs. Another factor entering into when a controlled burn can start is the clearing index or how quickly the smoke will dissipate. Local Highway Patrols, Forest Service and other agencies are advised of a controlled burn beforehand to deter persons reporting the fire as a wildfire. Speaking of his other role in the BLM, Glenn said that this year there have been more ignitions, but fewer wildfires than last year. "Last year was an exceptionally bad year for wildfires," he said. ! . ; ' ; t - -' K- -. ; i- - ! .... . v .. . .. w,. . ! -.A - . ' ' ' - .-: - " : I . -. . I ... .... . ...... ! I' CHARCOALED CANYON is typical of what an ture is also of Sweetwater Canyon, area looks like after a controlled burn. This pic- ! yU- C V . ... . ;. ... " .. .- ..,.... - " " . . . . ' . ... ' - . , -' d , . ' . . .V . ... s ... T - , ' 1 , . . ' J ., .... t,. ' . . , .. v. '-.." - v ' . f . . ' ; '. ' " . i " ;i V': , - ' . . . y ' ... ' v.. : , - w. . . , r a. . "-vv v. 4 ' s v- i' . - "A . s. ' ' 1 ' r "v ' . ., . - y " ; , '; . ... ' I, , A- . , . . -' v. ' , . . - f . . , . , - . , v, 1 m " 1 v aa , , SWEETWATER CANYON in the Book Cliffs area is overriden with sagebrush before a controlled burn by the BLM chaiges the foliage."' V p" pinyi-i .....nil ii 'i i in, ii ii -ir'ui .mi mm u,i a tQi I ..i.l "."'"""''"."l"W.IM,l,nillt V - . . I SAFETY IS stressed during controlled burn. A year of planning is required before any flames fly. |