On Oct. 16 and 17, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), ZN Ranch, Fire Trax LLC, and members of the Elk Mountain Volunteer Fire Department attempted to conduct prescribed burns on Rattlesnake Creek and on the south face of Sheephead Mountain.
The project was postponed after two consecutive days of poor burn results.
"Fuel moisture levels were high due to recent storm events in the week prior to the burn. We had a really good weather forecast, and hoped that forecasted relative humidity levels and winds would help compensate for higher fuel moistures, and result in a successful burn. It did not work that way, and we'll need more drying time for the targeted plant communities," said project coordinator and WGFD Habitat Biologist, Ryan Amundson.
The areas proposed for treatment totaled about 600 acres.
Amundson says, "If fall stays mild, and snows don't pile up too soon, we'll try to pool resources to attempt the burn again. Prescribed fire burn windows are very small, and it takes a lot of planning to get it pulled off. Spring treatments will also be considered, between snow melt and greenup."
Reader Comments(0)