Rangers Plan Controlled Burns

The Forest Service plans to burn several hundred acres of the Colville National Forest to improve elk habitat and reduce the risk of an uncontrolled fire. Kettle Falls District Ranger Meredith Webster said the fires will be set in April, May or June as weather allows.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will help pay for a 312-acre controlled burn about two miles northeast of Pierre Lake in Ferry County, and a 70-acre fire along the North Fork of Mill Creek about 15 miles northeast of Colville, she said.

“The objectives of these burns is to rejuvenate existing shrubs and stimulate growth of new shrubs and grasses for use by deer and elk during the winter months,” Webster said.

The Forest Service also plans to burn 500 acres in the Addy Mountain area southeast of Colville to eliminate deadwood that could fuel a catastrophic fire, she said.

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