(BELLE FOURCHE, S.D.) --- The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct prescribed burns on both the Fort Meade Recreation Area near Sturgis and near Englewood as soon as conditions permit.
Burning will only take place when weather conditions are conducive to safe operations. It may take multiple days to complete the project. The BLM will contact local authorities prior to any burning taking place.
The Fort Meade Recreation Area burn is planned for areas near the old VA Cemetery and northeast of the Alkali Creek Campground representing about 650 acres. Smoke may be visible from Interstate 90, State Highway 34, State Highway 79 and the city of Sturgis.
Burning in what is known as the “Exemption Area" is planned near Englewood and Sugarloaf Mountain. Approximately 130 acres is scheduled for treatment. Smoke may be visible from Lead and State Highway 85.
Burn objectives are to reduce hazardous fuels accumulations, rejuvenate native plant species and improve forage quality. Reducing plant litter and decadent grass will also lower the likelihood --or intensity-- of future wildfires in this area.
For additional information call the South Dakota Field Office at 605-892-7000.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
