Crews to Conduct Controlled Burning in Gallatin Canyon

Gallatin County residents may notice a layer of smoke south of Bozeman this weekend.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, fire crews plan to conduct prescribed burning in the Gallatin Canyon in an effort to help stimulate aspen stands. The plan is dependent on weather and conditions.

These planned burns are scheduled to begin this coming weekend, starting with the Durnam Meadow area.

Durnam Meadow is located at mile marker #54, north of Big Sky, on U.S. Highway 191.

Officials say that they plan to continue burning efforts in the area south of Porcupine Trail (FS Trail #34) and south of Twin Cabin Trail (FS Trail #46), both located south of Big Sky.

Jeff Shanafelt, West Zone Fire Management Officer was quoted on the Gallatin National Forest website as saying:

This year we are continuing to use fire and cutting disturbances to stimulate aspen roots that can cause thousands of new aspen shoots in areas of the Gallatin Canyon. These new trees play a unique and vital role in the ecosystem, provide important habitat, increase water quality and help mitigate future large scale wildfires.

 

For more information please contact the Bozeman Ranger District Office at 406 522-2520.