16 Springs Prescribed Fire (Prescribed Fire)

Fire officials on the Sacramento Ranger District in Cloudcroft, NM, plan to implement prescribed fire operations on the 16 Springs Prescribed Fire project beginning in March and carrying into April of 2022. The 16 Springs Prescribed Fire is targeting 564 acres and is located on federal land five miles north of Mayhill, NM.  The project lies within the Dry Burnt Canyon. Exact ignition dates will be dependent upon weather and fuel moisture conditions. Fire managers will monitor conditions closely to ensure that they fall within acceptable ranges before beginning the burn. Optimal conditions result in good ventilation and smoke dispersal, as well as help achieve the desired effects needed to accomplish forest restoration and improve the health of the forest. The purpose of this project is woodland restoration and enhancement of ponderosa pine stands by reducing ground and ladder fuels, which in turn will reduce the severity of wildland fire in the future.  This could help aid in…