As part of the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project, the Fishlake National Forest plans to conduct prescribed burning operations on Monroe mid-October through mid-November 2024.
This important work is being done to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. Fire managers are planning to prescribe burn about 3,000-4,000 acres of aspen and mixed conifer in the Red Pine Ridge, East Hunter Flat, Doe Ridge areas east/southeast of Big Lake and about 1,000-2,000 acres in the Mud Lake, Third Lefthand and Doxford Creek areas. Fire managers plan to use a helicopter and a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) to help with the burn.
The primary goal of this burn is to apply desired fire to the fire-dependent aspen ecosystems in this area. Without fire, the aspen stands in this area will eventually die. This burn will also reduce the risk of unwanted catastrophic wildfire, improve overall forest health, enhance wildlife and rangeland habitats, and provide additional forage for a variety of animals that use the area.
Ignitions will occur when the project can be undertaken safely and successfully. The National Weather Service is providing frequent updates. Public and firefighter safety is always the number one priority in prescribed fire operations.
This work is being done in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, and Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative.
Prescribed fire updates and other fire-related information throughout the state of Utah can be found on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UtahWildfire, or by visiting www.utahfireinfo.gov. Please follow the Fishlake National Forest on X @FishlakeNF or Facebook, at U.S. Forest Service-Fishlake National Forest, for forest- related facts, news, photos, and updates.
