Cause - Project southeast portion of monument (CA)Park Status - One trail closure remains in effect.Status as of 11/02/2009
Acreage - 2,094
Estimated completion date is 11/15/09.
Updates on fire
Ignition completed on entire project area; patrol will continue for several weeks.
Overview
2,094 acres of shrub and forest, including old growth Ponderosa pine and Western junipers, are being ignited by ground and air. The natural fire regime for this area is 20 to 50 years, but it has not burned since 1941.
Vegetation affected
shrub-juniper woodlands, Ponderosa pine
Benefits of the burn
Reduction of understory beneath old-growth juniper and Ponderosa pine, promote restoration of habitat through mosaic burning, reduce fuel loads to minimize chance of catastrophic wildfire.
Values to be protected
Numerous archeological sites and cave entrances being protected with MIST and other tactics.