Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is planning a prescribed burn of 180 acres starting Monday.
The goal is to minimize fuel levels, mitigate wildfire risk, and to help protect the communities surrounding the monument. The fuels are mainly ponderosa pine and grass.
Florissant Park Ranger Jeff Wolin says there are specific conditions that need to be met before the project can start.
"You have to consider wind, and fuel moisture and availability of your staff and you have to think about smoke and smoke dispersion all these different variables," says Wolin. "So if these conditions are met, then they would be able to proceed with the operation."
Burning operations are scheduled to begin near Teller County Road 1. Smoke may be visible in the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park Service is overseeing the operation.
An informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8th from 6:00 to 6:45 PM at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor’s Center.
