Prescribed burns planned at SLV national wildlife refuges

VALLEY – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting prescribed burns this winter on the Alamosa, Baca, and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges to remove wood piles and old, matted vegetation to improve wildlife habitat. The exact burn dates will depend on weather conditions and other prescription requirements but may extend through April.

Smoke will be visible to adjacent neighbors, towns and highways during and for a few days following burning operations. Signs will be posted along the nearest major roads and all burns will be monitored until they are declared completely out.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For more information, contact Baca Refuge Manager Ron Garcia, (719) 256-5527 or Alamosa and Monte Vista Refuge Manager Suzanne Beauchaine (719) 589-4021x 1003.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/.