Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge plans to conduct a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn on Tuesday, December 12 (weather permitting). Approximately 60 acres of wetlands located east of Highway 1, about 10 miles south of San Antonio, New Mexico, are scheduled to be burned. Residual smoke may be visible for several days as heavier fuel accumulations burn down.
The wetlands are part of the historic Rio Grande floodplain that makes up the heart of the refuge. They are a priority management area for the Bosque del Apache NWR, providing important feeding and nesting habitat for waterfowl, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, and endangered species. Fire is needed to remove plant litter, recycle nutrients, and promote habitat health. Applying fire to cattail, bulrush, and other plant species encourages the growth of more beneficial plants and benefits the migratory bird population.
The Farm Loop will be closed to the public throughout the duration of active burning operations. The closure order will be lifted once conditions are deemed safe for public access (estimated evening December 12). The refuge Visitor Center and the Marsh Tour Loop, including the Boardwalk, are scheduled to remain open during the burn.
The interested public may contact Bosque del Apache NWR at (505) 835-1828 if they have any questions.
