The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District plans on prescribed burning in several areas when the correct conditions are met, either this spring or in the fall.

Planned prescribed burn units are a combination of those created by timber harvest activities and others intended for ecosystem benefit. The treatment of fuels created by timber harvest is mandated by law and fire is the primary tool used to reduce slash loading and to prepare sites for tree planting and/or natural regeneration of trees. Prescribed fire for ecosystem benefit is intended to treat hazardous forest fuels that have built up over time, to increase forage for big game species, and to restore the natural fire process on the landscape.

These prescribed burns could total up to 2,500 acres and are located in areas across the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District. The burns will be conducted only when prescribed burning conditions are met and sufficient resources for the burning are available.

Prescribed burning is planned for the following areas (parentheses indicate broader area descriptions, where needed):

- West Fork Dry Creek (Dry Creek drainage south of Thompson Falls)

- Fishtrap Creek

- Deep Creek

- McGinnis Creek

- South Clark (Clark Mountain south of Thompson Falls)

- Shorty Gulch (Prospect Creek)

- Cherry Creek

- Cutoff (Clark Fork River corridor)

- Antimony (Prospect Creek)

- Priscilla (Thompson River)

- Swamp Creek

- Game Range (northeast of Thompson Falls)

- Bend (approximately 35 miles up Thompson River)

- Mouth of Swamp Creek

Prescribed burning of areas which were previously timber harvested could occur this year in the Fishtrap Creek, Shorty Gulch and Antimony areas listed, while the remaining prescribed burning is intended for ecosystem benefit and/or hazardous forest fuel reduction as described above.

Ignition of these prescribed burns will be accomplished either by hand crews or by helicopter firing, or by a combination of those two methods. Smoke will be visible during burning operations and potentially for a few days following ignition.

All proposed burning activities must comply with air quality regulations as outlined by and administered by the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group. Burns will take place when air dispersion patterns and weather forecasts are favorable for burning; but smoky conditions can still potentially develop. Recognizing this possible negative impact, managers will attempt to minimize smoke effects and reduce impact to the public.

The public is urged to avoid project burn areas during operations, and if travel is required through these areas, to drive slowly as people and equipment may be present.

For additional information on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District burning plan or for more information on the public burn permit program for this area, please contact the district office at 406-826-3821.