Prescribed burns of 1,867 acres planned on Bison Range

Prescribed fire activities on the CSKT Bison Range will be conducted during the next month as weather allows, covering an estimated 1,867 acres.

According to a press release from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, the objectives of these fire activities are to begin restoring periodic fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem, aid in the treatment of invasive species and contribute to ongoing research studies.

During prescribed fire activities, visitors to the refuge may experience smoky conditions. As a result of these activities, visitors are apt to notice burned areas along the tour routes and see a temporarily reduction in the use of those routes by certain wildlife species.

The prescribed burns are designed to help increase grassland habitat and foraging potential; knock back conifer encroachment; slash all trees 8 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller; and retain ponderosa pines that are 20 inches diameter and larger and solid snags that are more than 20 inches diameter.

Overall, the Division of Fire’s objective includes reducing Douglas fir while creating a mosaic pattern to make more rangeland available for grazing and maintaining tree cover for wildlife.

For more information, call CSKT Division of Fire at 406-676-2550.