Photo: USDA Forest Service

JACKSON, Wyo. — The Dry Quad prescribed burn is still underway today, June 2.

The prescribed burn is located in the Toppings Lake area of the Blackrock Ranger District, north of Jackson. The unit is approximately 100 acres.

A map of the burn zone near Topping Lake. Photo: BTNF

The area has been identified for aspen stand improvement. Encroaching conifers within the unit were “slashed” in 2019 and have been drying out in anticipation of this burn.

According to Bridger- Teton National Forest, new aspen stands can be regenerated through the removal of competitive species and a large disturbance like fire being introduced. Fuels and fire managers have created “jackpots” of dead and downed conifers to increase heat and disturbance stimulating new aspen growth.

Bridger-Teton National Forest is alerting the community that more smoke will be more visible today compared to previous days. The project began on May 29.

On May 30, the “Snake River Hotshot Crew” hiked in to help with the burn.

Snake River Hotshot Crew Hikes in to help with a prescribed burn. Photo: Teton Interagency Fire
The crew hikes through an aspen grove in the dry Quad Rx zone. Photo: Teton Interagency Fire

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.