Jefferson County Open Space, in cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service, have planned a prescribed burn of approximately 20 acres of meadow at White Ranch Park north of Golden on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding around 4:00 p.m. The area to be treated is adjacent to the Park's west trailhead and temporary trail closures will be in effect along Rawhide Trail.
The application of prescribed fire requires specific conditions for temperature, humidity, lift and dispersal in managing smoke as well as adequate resources of personnel, equipment and water in order for a safe and effective burn to take place. The goals of the resource management activities are to reduce invasive weeds and conifers, reduce fuels, and return nutrients to the soil for healthier native vegetation and improved forage for wildlife. The activity also provides training opportunities for area fire fighters.
