Manti-La Sal Forest fire managers would like to spread the word: Cool, wet spring conditions have delayed plans to implement the Lackey Basin prescribed burn, located about five miles north of the town of La Sal.
No date has been set for the burn, but fire managers anticipate there will be a great deal of interest in it, since it will be highly visible from U.S. Highway 191 south of Moab. The Moab/ Monticello Ranger District is planning to hold an open house meeting to update the public on Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grand County Public Library’s large meeting room, 257 E. Center St. Any interested party is invited for conversation and information.
The prescribed burn aims to restore quaking aspen trees by mimicking natural disturbance, reducing the number of conifers and promoting the growth of aspen stands. Aspen areas have declined by as much as 1,000 acres in the south La Sal mountains in the last 50 years.
The U.S. Forest Service says that wildlife species such as mule deer and elk will benefit from renewed growth and more open grassy areas. Habitat for other species of concern will be enhanced and the potential for catastrophic wildfire in a sensitive area will be reduced, according to the agency.
Residents can continue to report new wildfires by calling the Moab Interagency Fire Center at 435-259-1850.
Lackey Basin project delayed by wet spring weather
District information is available in Moab at 435-259-7155, and in Monticello at 435-587-2041.
