BLM plans two fuel reduction projects

MEEKER I The Bureau of Land Management is planning two mechanical fuel reduction projects in Rio Blanco County this spring in an effort to reduce the abundance of vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.
The work will be conducted by hand crews with saws on BLM public land. The crews will cut and scatter the downed vegetation, which is the most effective method of fuel reduction in these areas.
The Crossroads Park project will begin this week west of Meeker and may take two weeks to complete.
The location is about about 20 miles west of Meeker off Rio Blanco County roads 20 and 83. The project targets 190 acres of pinyon/juniper woodland and sagebrush.
The objectives of this project are to lessen the density of vegetation, reduce the encroachment of pinyon/juniper in sagebrush parks and to support the severe winter range of mule deer.
The Badger Flats project will begin sometime this spring with anticipated completion in June.
This project is about 25 miles north of Rangely, off Moffat County Road 14, and involves 391 acres of sagebrush and pinyon/juniper woodlands.
The objectives of this project are to rejuvenate the sagebrush community by removing encroaching pinyon/juniper and increase the under-story forage for Greater sage-grouse, wildlife and livestock.
An environmental analysis has been conducted for each mechanical treatment in conjunction with detailed project plans. Please contact Kyle Frary, acting fire management specialist, at 970-878-3862 for more information.