Jemez Springs, NM - The National Park Service (NPS) plans prescribed fires in the southwest corner of Valles Caldera National Preserve this spring to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and create healthier forest and watershed ecosystems.
Fire managers with Valles Caldera National Preserve will take advantage of expected favorable conditions to conduct two broadcast prescribed burns. The prescribed burns, planned between April 5 to May 31, 2021, include 338 acres in the Southwest Banco Bonito area, directly adjacent to New Mexico State Route 4 near mile marker 30, and 153 acres in Cajete Meadow, about 3 miles northeast of Jemez Falls Campground.
A final decision to proceed with a prescribed burn depends on multiple conditions, including the national wildland fire preparedness level and resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecasted weather. The NPS also takes a risk-informed approach to managing prescribed fire during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prescribed fire is part of a science-based framework for managing ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer forests in the preserve to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire and allow low-intensity fire to play its natural role in a frequent-fire ecosystem. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives and will be managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
The NPS manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. Information on the Forest Stewards Guild's HEPA Filter Loan Program can also be found online.
Fire updates will be posted on the preserve's website, Twitter, Facebook page, and New Mexico Fire Information website. Smoke-sensitive individuals may also be added to the preserve's notification system by emailing us or calling 575-829-4100, option 3.
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
