In order to stimulate new growth and forage for bighorn sheep, there will be a prescribed burn in the Katsos Ranch area of East Vail, Colorado. The fire will be handled by Vail Fire and Emergency Services either this month or next month, depending on appropriate conditions, Vail Daily reports.
Prescribed burns help create fresh growth, which improves winter habitat for the East Vail bighorn sheep herd. It will also “reduce wildfire fuels adjacent to the community,” according to Vail Daily as the project will target 20 acres of grass above the Booth Creek berm, north of the Booth Falls neighborhood as well as 1 acre of grass adjacent to the North Frontage Road.
Map of the prescribed burn area. Source: Vail Daily
Map of the prescribed burn area. Source: Vail Daily
The approved burn plan was evaluated by a third party and fulfills all safety and environmental considerations. Traffic could be impacted during the actual day of the burn. Those interested in watching the prescribed burn can do so from a safe distance or at the East Vail interchange parking lot.
2 Comments
Andrew Steere
3/15/2021, 12:30:08 AM
We need more prescribed burns. If anything just to give our fire fighters a fighting chance. Last year was crazy with all of our forest fires. Its also a win win for the wildlife. Perhaps some evasive plants and trees get burnt along the way.
Matt Klink
3/13/2021, 5:18:33 AM
Good. I’ve been stationed on military bases in the southwest and North Carolina where controlled burns happen regularly. Every time the burned areas regenerate with green grass and wildlife flock to them. Why regular controlled burns aren’t policy throughout the country is beyond me.