Elk and other wildlife in southwest New Mexico get upgraded habitat thanks to prescribed burning activity in the Wilderness Ranger District on the Gila National Forest.
According to the Grant County Beat, crews plan to carry out the treatment across 320 acres west of Camp Thunderbird between October 22 and November 16.
Prescribed burns improve forage by removing downed limbs and other woody debris on the forest floor thus allowing grass and a diversity of other vegetation to take root. The treatment also benefits overall forest health by reducing fuels and increasing habitat diversity.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding to assist with the work.
(Photo source: U.S. Forest Service)