AFTON, Wyo. — The Greys River Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to complete a 2,554-acre prescribed burn within the Star Valley Front Vegetation Treatment Project in the coming weeks.
The Star Valley Front Vegetation Treatment Project is located east of Star Valley and consists of a 64,612 acre project area with 31,477 acres of proposed burn units extending from Strawberry Creek south to Cottonwood Creek, from the forest boundary to the top of the Salt River Range. According to the U.S. Forest Service, In the two to five years following a prescribed fire, burned areas typically sustain more grasses and forbs. This offers abundant food for large herbivores like elk and their offspring, which is particularly relevant given the great interest in deer and elk populations in the Star Valley area.
Burning will start in the far northeast corner of the project area in unit # 9 (Strawberry) in a 2,554-acre unit starting in Strawberry Creek and heading south along the Salt River Range.
This project is expected to be carried out anytime during this month. Actual ignition dates will be dependent on meeting strict parameters for weather and fire behavior conditions.
Smoke may linger in valleys during the evening and early morning hours, potentially affecting community residents. Roads and trails should remain open to the public, however certain areas may be closed for a short period of time if and when it is determined that public and firefighter safety may be impacted.
For more on the purpose and benefits of prescribed burns click here.
