Slash pile burns planned for Rio Grande State Wildlife Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]

MONTE VISTA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, will conduct slash pile burning operations in the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area over the next few weeks. If weather conditions permit, burns are planned for January and into February.
 
Slash piles have been created to remove debris and reduce hazardous fuel accumulation to help reduce the risk of larger wildfires. The piles are burned in areas where other means of disposal are not feasible.
 
Smoke may be visible in the area and could persist for several days as fuels burn themselves out. Crews will be on scene to monitor the progress throughout the process. The public is reminded not to call 911 or other emergency services if smoke is visible from the burn areas.
 
CPW works closely with agencies such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and local authorities in developing and implementing any burning project.
 
Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. Additional information is available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
 
Rio Grande State Wildlife Area is a 935-acre property in Rio Grande County that offers good fishing and hunting opportunities. It is closed to public access Feb. 15 through July 15 to protect nesting and wintering bird populations.

For more information, contact CPW District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny at 719-850-6363 or [email protected].