The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, in coordination with The Nature Conservancy, is conducting a prescribed fire at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Weather permitting, the burn is scheduled for the week of September 12.
The burn is 47 acres and will take place within a canyon in the north-central section of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The objective of this burn is to control cheat grass and promote the conversion from non-natives to native vegetation.
Historically, much of this canyon at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area supported native mixed and tallgrass prairie. Today the site hosts an undesirable occurence of cheat grass, which has little habitat value. The Towhee Trail, Mahogany Trail, and the Canyon Trail will be closed when this burn is taking place.
[/media-credit]Smoke advisory signs will be posted along roads, trails, at the entrance station, and parking lots. A natural areas program representative will inform visitors of the prescribed fire and closures. Officials will closely monitor smoke dispersal to avoid impacts to motorists and residents. To mitigate concerns, the natural areas program will only burn under advantageous conditions.
Concerns or questions regarding this burn can be directed to Rick Bachand at 970-416-2183 or the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program at 970-416-2133.
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