KEMMERER, Wyo., October 17, 2018 – The Kemmerer Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to continue with the implementation of the prescribed burn in the Hams Fork drainage as part of the project that includes the timber sales in the Hams Fork Drainage. 464-acres of aspen have been mechanically treated, and it is anticipated that we will be burning the slash this fall between October 20 and November 5, 2018. This project resulted in the cutting for encroaching conifer within aspen stands to create a fuel bed to carry fire. This will result in the stimulation and regrowth of new aspen and the reduction of conifers within these stands.

The purpose of this project is to improve existing aspen stands by prescribed burning a large area to stimulate aspen cover types. This objective will allow improvement over a large enough area to help minimize impacts from big game animals. In addition to lowering fuel loads and benefiting wildlife, the project will also enhance the visual quality of aspen.

Locations for the project will include one unit up Indian creek, one in Basin Creek off the Green Knoll/Big Spring cutoff, and one in the West fork of Hams Creek.

All roads will remain open. Visitors are reminded to always use caution when recreating in burned areas, smoke, falling snags and active fire may be present after a closure has been lifted. Interagency fire managers will attempt to minimize any adverse impacts to recreationists and residents as the burns proceed.

 This vegetation treatment is an interagency cooperative effort with Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, and the United States Forest Service.

For more information about this project, contact USFS Kemmerer Ranger District at 307-828-5100.