Payette National Forest Prepares for Spring Prescribed Burning
The Payette National Forest is planning on conducting multiple prescribed fires this spring. Depending on weather conditions, burns could take place anytime between March and July.
Prescribed fire is an important component of natural resource management and in conjunction with commercial thinning, non-commercial thinning, and reforestation, will lead to restoring the integrity and resiliency of our forested ecosystems.
These prescribed fires reduce surface fuels, increase height of the canopy, reduce small tree densities, and promote fire resilient trees, thereby improving our ability to protect communities from wildfire. Additionally, these fires improve wildlife habitat, promote long-term ecosystem integrity and sustainability by reducing the risk of high-severity wildland fire.
The New Meadows Ranger District plans to burn in the Goose project area (3 miles east of New Meadows), and in the Cold project area southeast of Lost Valley reservoir.
The Council Ranger District plans to apply prescribed fire in the Huckleberry project area (25 miles northwest of Council), Mill Creek-Council Mountain project area (5 miles northeast of Council), and the Middle Fork project area (7 miles southeast of Council).
The Weiser Ranger District plans to apply fire in the Robinson project area (22 miles north of Weiser).
The Krassel Ranger District plans to burn in the Four Mile project area along the South Fork of the Salmon River near the Miners Peak trail (Approximately 18 miles east of McCall); and the Bald Hill project area.
Trailheads and roads that lead into these areas will be posted with caution signs and a map of the prescribed burn locations.
Fire personnel will work closely with the Idaho/Montana Airshed Group, the National Weather Service, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that smoke impacts are minimized.
The decision to ignite on any given day will depend on favorable weather conditions and the need to reduce smoke effects as much as possible. Smoke from these prescribed fires will be much less than what would be expected from a wildfire. If smoke concentrations approach air quality standards, fire ignition may be delayed until air quality improves. Residual smoke may be visible for up to two weeks following ignition, but most of the smoke from the fires is anticipated to dissipate one or two days after ignition.
The public may call the Weiser, Council, New Meadows, McCall, or Krassel District Rangers for more information. Council RD: 208-253-0100; Krassel RD: 208-634-0600; McCall RD: 208-634-0400; New Meadows RD: 208-347-0300; Weiser RD: 208-549-4200.
For the most current information about prescribed burning projects please visit the Payette Facebook page or visit the Payette National Forest planned fuels treatments map at https://tinyurl.com/Payette-Prescribed-Fire-Map