TAOS, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting a 1600-acre prescribed burn in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument on Cerro Montoso, located 12 miles northeast of Tres Piedras, New Mexico. The prescribed burn will be conducted for up to 30 days beginning as early as March 19 depending on weather conditions. Smoke may be visible from highways US 285 and US 64.

The purpose of the project is to improve forest health in ponderosa pine and piñon/juniper, by reducing flammable accumulations of vegetation and reintroducing fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem.

For further information or concerns, contact Pat Pacheco, fire management officer, at 575-770-1616 or Kyle Sahd, Fire Management Specialist, at 575-770-1617.