For Immediate Release
October 5, 2010
Contact: Richard Parrish (509) 536-1200
Release No: OR130-FY2011-0001
BLM Completes Prescribed Burn in Okanogan County
Spokane, Wash. - Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire and fuels specialists conducted a 100-acre
prescribed burn of natural fuels on October 1-3, 2010. The prescribed burn was located on BLMadministered public lands north of Mineral Hill County Road #2340, approximately 1.5 miles northwest of
Conconully, in Okanogan County, Washington. This is one of several projects in the vicinity of Conconully
that the BLM has completed to improve wildfire protection for the community in support of the Okanogan
County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Projects have included thinning small diameter trees that
were used by the community for firewood, chipping, pile burning, and this most recent prescribed burn.
Prescribed burning is an important natural resource tool used to improve the health of the forest and to
protect local communities from the risk of uncontrolled wildfire. The purpose of this prescribed burn was
to reduce excess fuel loading near Conconully, reduce forest disease levels, particularly mistletoe, and to
reintroduce fire into its natural role within the ecosystem.
“The weekend burning activities were a collaborative effort,” stated Spokane District Fuels Specialist,
Richard Parrish. Parrish acknowledged the instrumental involvement of fire staff from BLM Idaho, various
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices, U.S. Forest Service, Conconully Fire Department, and local
contractors.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources regulates smoke management and must approve all
prescribed burns on BLM public lands within the state. The BLM coordinates closely with the state’s air
quality managers, after they receive burn approval.
For further information contact Richard Parrish at (509) 536-1200.
-BLMAbout the BLM: The BLM manages 245 million acres of public land known as the National System of Public Lands. The lands
are primarily located in 12 Western states, including 75 million acres in Alaska. With a budget of about $1 billion, the bureau also
administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the
health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.