ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct more than 7,000 acres of prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat in southwest Wyoming.

The burns will take place this fall and early winter and target mountain mahogany, bitterbrush and sagebrush habitat at Iron Mountain and Middle Canyon.

Burns at Smith Mountain and Upper Separation Creek will encourage the growth of aspen trees.

Chris Otto with the BLM tells the Casper Star-Tribune (http://bit.ly/1B9XubZ ) many of the areas to be burned haven't seen natural disturbance from fire in a long time.

The BLM says people should avoid areas where prescribed burns are taking place.

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