Taking advantage of fall weather, Carson National Forest fire managers plan to begin prescribed burns as early as October 1 to improve the health and resiliency of the forest. Crews plan to begin prescribed fire in American Creek west of Tres Piedras, New Mexico

The exact days of ignitions depend on wind, weather and fuel moisture conditions.

Crews will set fire to the undergrowth of forest areas, targeting fuels on the forest floor such as leaf litter, fallen branches and brush. The fire can completely burn individual trees or stands, creating an open canopy.

The 1,009-acre fire is part of the Rio Tusas-Lower San Antonio Landscape Restoration Project, which aims to restore forest health in half of the Tres Piedras Ranger District.

The project fits into a larger initiative called the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project, which aims to protect forest communities and improve the health of the watershed that supports millions of people downstream. It covers 3.8 million acres in New Mexico and Colorado in and around four national forests.

Over the last century, the conditions for a healthy and vibrant ecosystem in forest areas have deteriorated. This is particularly true for forest types that are frequently affected by fires, such as: B. Ponderosa and dry mixed conifers whose stands are unnaturally dense and where there are no recent fires. The health of upland forests is inextricably linked to the riparian areas that, in this case, ultimately feed the Rio Chama and Rio Grande.

The public can stay up to date on prescribed fire on InciWeb, where a map can be viewed. General notifications are also available via email, social media and the web.

A new section on the Carson National Forest website provides more information about prescribed fires, including smoke preparedness, fire ecology and new approaches to safer operations.

A limited number of portable air filters, donated by the Forest Stewards Guild, are available for rental. Call the Tres Piedras Ranger Station at (575) 758-8678 for availability.

(Photo: The American Creek Prescribed Fire Unit on September 25, 2024. USDA Forest Service photo by George Allalunis)