BILLINGS — The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting prescribed burn operations in Custer and Musselshell Counties this fall when fuel conditions and weather permit.
Multiple days of burning may be conducted at different times throughout the fall to meet project objectives.
The Custer County project areas are located approximately 30 miles south of Miles City in the Rough Creek area and 55 miles east of town in the Knowlton area.
Approximately 3,050 acres are scheduled for treatment in the Rough Creek project and 650 acres at Knowlton.
The purpose of Custer County project is to reduce ponderosa pine stand densities and restore a more balanced pine-savanna habitat.
Project objectives are also intended to benefit rangeland health and wildlife habitat.
The proactive approach of burning during cool, fall conditions will help reduce the threat of wildfire spreading from BLM-administered lands during hot months with high fire activity.
The Musselshell County project area is located approximately 10 miles south of Roundup and 35 miles north of Billings off the Redher Creek road in the Bull Mountains.
Approximately 270 acres will be treated.
The purpose of the proactive burning is to reduce fuels, reduce pine and juniper density, lower wildfire severity and boost wildlife habitat and rangeland health.
Ignition and burning depend on weather and fuel conditions, which will be monitored closely to ensure safe completion.
Multiple days of burning may be conducted and smoke may be visible from Highway 87 and the Redher Creek road. Visitors should use caution in these areas in consideration of public and firefighter safety.
For more information please contact:
- Musselshell County - Chad Cullum at 896.2862
- Custer County - Paul Pauley at 233.2800
