The Mammoth and Mono Lake Ranger Districts of the Inyo National Forest are planning to implement several prescribed fire projects for habitat improvement and hazardous fuels reduction in the upcoming fall and winter months. Prescribed fires will be conducted when weather and fuel moisture conditions are within prescription to safely accomplish the project objectives. By prescribing the fire under optimum weather conditions, managers simulate the natural role of fire. This reduces forest competition, opens gaps in the forest canopy for sunlight to shine through, and recycles nutrients to the soil for re-growth.
Smoke may be visible at times from Highways 395, 158, 167, 120 and 203, as well as the communities of Bridgeport, Mono City, Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake. All prescribed fire activities will be coordinated with Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District in accordance with air resource objectives.
Understory burning in the Jeffrey pine forest is expected to begin in late November or early December:
- East of Highway 395 on national forest lands near Bald Mountain.
- West of the Oh Ridge Gun Range near June Lake.
Following the accumulation of snow from fall storms, pile burning will be conducted, and is expected to continue into early winter. Pile burning is planned on the Mammoth District include areas west of Mammoth Lakes near Shady Rest Park, northwest of Mammoth Lakes along the Scenic Loop and near Mammoth Knolls, east and west of Highway 395 near Smokey Bear Flat, west of the Crestview Rest Stop on Highway 395, west of Highway 395 along Deadman Creek Road north to Wilson Butte, southeast of the Town of Mammoth Lakes along Mammoth and Sherwin Creek Roads.
In the June Lake area, pile burning is planned on national forest lands on Reversed Peak and in the Down Canyon and Peterson Tract areas, east of Highway 395 and south of Highway 158 at the June Lake Junction.
In the Lee Vining area, pile burning is planned at the Lee Vining Ranger Station on Tioga Pass Road and on BLM lands west of Highway 395 at Green Creek Road (south of Bridgeport) and near the Conway Ranch.
For further information, please call Deb Schweizer at (760) 873-2427.
