Beginning the week of March 4, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning a prescribed burn at the Dripping Springs Natural Area (Natural Area) near Las Cruces. If weather is not within necessary parameters, the burn may occur the following week. Smoke will be highly visible to the City of Las Cruces and surrounding communities. Trail closures on the day of the burn will include the Dripping Springs Trail from the Visitor Center to the historic Van Patten Mountain Camp, and a portion of Crawford Trail, which meets Dripping Springs Trail. All other trails in the Natural Area will remain open for hiking. Call the Visitor Center with questions on hiking trails at 575-522-1219.
In total, 15-20 BLM fire personnel will implement and monitor the fire. In addition, two BLM fire engines will remain on site until the burn is extinguished. In the event of a wildfire, the prescribed burn will increase the protection of special features and historic structures in the Natural Area, visitors to the area and firefighters who respond to a fire.
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to control vegetation in areas where wildfires are no longer appropriate. By reducing the volume of vegetation under specific conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with wildfires.
For additional information about this prescribed burn, please contact Ricky Cox, Fire Management Specialist at 575-525-4467 or Mark Bernal, Fire Management Officer at 575-525-4305.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
