Several Burns In NW Wyoming This Spring

CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Several controlled burns are planned this spring in northwestern Wyoming.

Rangers in the Shoshone National Forest want to conduct four burns, including a 500 to 750 acre burn aimed at improving wildlife habitat, regenerating aspen and reducing vegetation that could fuel a wildfire.

The goals of the other burns there include improving bighorn sheep habitat and getting rid of beetle-killed trees.

In the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park, fire managers want to thin sagebrush and rejuvenate aspen growth to help protect nearby homes from potential wildfires. One burn would convert pasture land back to native vegetation.

Fire managers say the burns will only be done if wind cooperates and fuels aren't too dry.

Last week, the U.S. Forest Service suspended a half-dozen burns in Colorado because of dry weather.