Fire officials with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan to conduct a controlled pasture burn at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area July 5-7, 2017. The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive, and will carefully burn approximately 100 acres 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 continues to use the pastures. The BLM will burn the pastureland directly in front and to the east of the main viewing area along Highway 38, just east of Reedsport, Oregon. The burn days are weather dependent and may change based on updated forecasts. “Burning off the low quality grasses allows more nutrient rich plants to grow. Grasses that the elk love to eat emerge in as little as a week after the burn,” said Kathy Westenskow, Coos Bay District Manager. The prescribed burn may necessitate short traffic delays on Highway 38. The BLM asks motorists 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. The BLM coordinates with several agencies to protect the public’s health and safety during the burn. Fire officials will coordinate with Oregon Smoke Management to burn during ideal conditions and minimize impacts of the smoke on the local community. Smoke from the burn may be visible from Reedsport. For additional information, please contact the BLM’s Coos Bay District Office at (541) 756-0100.
