BLM Buffalo to conduct prescribed burn in Johnson County

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (PRESS RELEASE) -The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct a prescribed burn this fall in the Beartrap Meadow area along Hazelton Road in southwest Johnson County. Burning may start as early as late September and could continue throughout the fall as weather and fuel conditions allow.

The Beartrap Meadow project is a multi-phase effort by the BLM, in coordination with adjacent private landowners and the State of Wyoming, to reduce the density of mountain big sagebrush in the area. After multiple years of planning, the project kicked off its first phase in October 2022 with a successful 100-acre burn. This year, approximately 120 acres on the west side of Hazelton Road will be targeted to burn.

The goal of the project is to improve the ecological health, function, and structural diversity of the sagebrush community. Previous burns in the area have proven to help improve the function of the landscape, benefitting wildlife and reducing the risk of large wildfires.

All BLM prescribed burn projects are conducted in accordance with approved burn plans that specify weather, smoke dispersal, and fuel moisture conditions. Smoke may be visible at times from surrounding areas. Fire crews will remain on scene and monitor the burn until the fires are out.

For more information, please contact the Buffalo Field Office front desk at (307) 684-1100, Chris Sheets at (307) 684-1097, or Jacob McClure at (307) 684-1064.