Prescribed Burns In The Mother Lode
Arnold, CA– Forest Managers at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are planning a series of prescribed burns in the South Grove Natural Reserve in Tuolumne County.
The Sugar Pine and Tire Tree burns will total 200 acres and begin October 31st. Burning may continue through November.
Officials say prescribed burns are conducted to reduce the risk of wildfires and improve ecological health and wildlife habitat. Drift smoke may also be visible in burn areas.
This week drift smoke has been reported along Highway 4 and the surrounding communities of Bear Valley, Big Trees Village and Arnold. This is due to pile burning that began in the Calaveras Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest. The 200 acre burn will continue over the coming months.
Last week two prescribed pile burns also began in the Mi-Wok Ranger District. Around 1,300 total acres will continue to burn for the next couple of weeks.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
