Prescribed burns begin on Stillwater Forest

The Stillwater Unit of the DNRC has plans to complete fall prescribed fire operations before winter truly sets in.

Smoke will likely be visible from a number of these burns:

King Hemlock – Four units (102-acres) located on the north end of Whitefish Lake. Smoke will be visible from the head of Whitefish Lake.

Mystery Fish – Two units (54-acres) located near Stryker Ridge. Smoke may be visible east of the Highway 93 corridor from Olney north to Point of Rocks.

South Fitzpatrick – Two units (42-acres) located in the headwaters of the Stillwater River approximately 6 air miles north east of the town of Stryker on Highway 93.

Moran North – Four units (47-acres) located southwest of Polebridge and pile-burning at the end of the North Fork road. Smoke may be visible from Home Ranch Bottoms, Polebridge, and along the North Fork road.

Careful monitoring of parameters identified in the burn plan including fuel moisture, temperatures, wind, and forecasted weather systems, will determine if conditions are favorable to safely and effectively meet project objectives.

Prescribed fire is often used by forest managers to reduce slash generated from forest management activities and prepare the site for regeneration. Low to moderate intensity fire returns nutrients to the soil, releases cone seeds on newly exposed mineral soil, and reduces presence of competing vegetation to better allow new seedlings to establish and thrive.

For more information on the Stillwater State Forest call 881-2371 or contact the Unit Manager at rding@mt.gov