Spring burn planned

In cooperation with Hot City Outdoor Alliance and the Thermopolis Fire Department, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is planning a prescribed burn at the Wedding of the Waters Public Access Area near Thermopolis later this week.

On the morning of March 21, crews plan to burn one half acre of phragmites, an invasive perennial reed grass, along the shoreline of the Bighorn River, upstream and downstream of the boat ramp. Ignition is tentatively planned for 10 a.m. The prescribed burn is weather dependent.

Sportspersons should be aware that access to the boat ramp may be delayed for a short period of time while the burn is in progress.

The prescribed burn aims to alleviate mid-summer congestion at the boat ramp by opening access to the shoreline and increasing staging areas for recreationists using personal watercraft and inner tubes.

Fire danger increases in the spring once the snow begins to melt but that is also the time many set out to do controlled burns. If you are planning one, be sure to notify Law Enforcement Dispatch at 864-3114.

It is common for calm morning wind to give way to gusty wind around the midday hours during the spring months. A weather forecast of how and when the wind speed and direction may change during the day can mean the difference between a successful burn and having an animated discussion with your local fire department officials.