CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now)—As we head into fire season, The USDA Forestry Service rangers of the Black Hills National Forest are asking for public comment on a proposal to reduce fire hazards.
The exercise would increase space for pines and diversify plant species on the north end of the Wyoming black hills in Crook County.
The forest service also partners with the Wyoming State Forestry, Bureau of Land Management and more.
The USDA Forest Service aims to treat several thousand acres of national forest through mechanical and manual fuel reduction, prescribed fires, and tree planting.
“The reason for this is that our project area of over 11,000 acres has uncharacteristically high fuel loads. So, either of these means or all of these means together will hopefully reduce that and create a more defensible space,” said Patrick Champa, Bear Lodge District Ranger, Black Hills National Forest.
Folks can submit public comments until April 28th, and they will become part of the public record.
Authorities will implement the project in 2025 over the next 3 to 5 years.
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