Fire officials with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan to conduct controlled pasture burns at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area July 1 and 2. Approximately 100 acres will be carefully burned to improve elk forage and habitat at the popular wildlife viewing area. The prescribed burn is part of the BLM’s yearly efforts to improve grazing conditions at Dean Creek so the wild herd of 80 to 100 Roosevelt elk will continue to use the pastures. The BLM will burn the pasture land directly in front of the main viewing area, restroom and interpretive kiosk. “While we’re improving habitat, we’re taking steps to protect the public’s health and safety. We make every effort to minimize impacts from smoke on the local community by carefully burning during ideal conditions,” said Bill Elam, Fuels Specialist with the BLM’s Coos Bay District. Smoke from the burn may be visible from Reedsport, and may necessitate short traffic delays on Highway 38. Motorists are asked to travel cautiously through the Dean Creek area and traffic controllers will help direct traffic during periods of reduced visibility. The main viewing area and restrooms will remain open during the burn operation, but traffic may be temporarily detoured around certain areas of the viewing area to make room for fire personnel and equipment. For additional information, please contact the BLM’s Coos Bay District Office at (541) 756-0100.
