Conditions are now favorable for the Laughlin Gulch prescribed burn to take place as early as May 31. The project was initially planned for early May, but was postponed due to poor conditions.
The burn location is 10 miles west of Saguache and is part of the La Garita Hills Restoration Project. Approximately 105 acres of a larger 210-acre area will be burned under close supervision over the course of two days. The burn area is designed to improve winter range habitat for local big game animals.
Smoke will be visible around the San Luis Valley with heavier smoke likely in the area. No significant smoke impacts are expected, the Rio Grande National Forest said in a Wednesday release.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Land Management will be assisting on this project.
Burning will be announced on the Rio Grande National Forest Facebook and X social media platforms. For more information on the Rio Grande National Forest, call 719-850-2374, or visit the forest website.