MORAN, Wyo. — The Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) plans to begin ignitions on the Grouse Mountain Prescribed Fire as soon as Monday, Oct. 4, announced BTNF today, Oct. 1.
The unit is up to 365-acres approximately 7-miles south of US Highway 26/287 in the vicinity of Grouse Mountain.
The Grouse Mountain prescribed fire unit is designed to restore whitebark pine habitat and study the effects of other treatments on the species.
Ignition operations are expected to take place over three days as conditions permit. Ground and aviation resources will be conducting both firing and holding operations and crews will remain on the unit until it is secure. Due to the remote location of the burn, it is not anticipated that there will be any significant smoke impacts to local communities, though smoke will be visible.
Whitebark pine numbers have been on the decline throughout the Bridger-Teton National Forest and across the west due to blister rust infections and the mountain pine beetle. The burn will attempt to promote the propagation of the whitebark pine species and allow researchers to continue to find new treatments to aid forest managers throughout the region in preserving other five-need species.
Visitors to the area are encouraged to use caution and avoid areas where burn operations are taking place.
For further information please contact the Blackrock Ranger District at 307-543-3900 or visit www.tetonfires.com
