Fuel reduction project in Hyalite complete

By Mira Brody

In the last week, you may have seen a haze hovering above Hyalite Canyon from Bozeman.

Between Oct. 15 and 17, Custer Gallatin National Forest, in partnership with the City of Bozeman, conducted a 116-acre prescribed burn near Langhor Road in Hyalite Canyon as a part of the Bozeman Municipal Watershed’s Forest Fuels Reduction Project. The objective of this ongoing project is to reduce wildland fuels and the risk of severe and extensive wildfire in the lower portions of Hyalite and Bozeman creeks—both critical parts of the Bozeman watershed, and where the city gets 80% of its water. The project is also a smaller part in a nationwide effort called “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis,” aimed at reducing fire risk in communities and infrastructure through strategic forest management.

Before a prescribed burn, the Forest Service works with the National Weather Service and Montana DEQ to ensure conditions are safe, not only to prevent loss of control over the fire boundary, but also to prevent excessive smoke production and possible health dangers to surrounding communities. The first attempt was initially postponed due to hot, dry weather that posed a fire risk.

With the prescribed burn 100% complete by Oct. 17, Morgan De Meyer, public affairs specialist for the Custer Gallatin noted that the Forest Service’s objective has been “fully met” and well-timed precipitation contributed to the effectiveness of their efforts.

Burn map in Hyalite Canyon. PHOTO COURTESY OF CUSTER GALLATIN NF

"Fire is an essential component of our ecosystem, and it feels incredibly rewarding to reintroduce it to the landscape under these favorable conditions," Liam Dillaway, Burn Boss Trainee, told Friends of Hyalite. "This successful prescribed burn not only benefits our local flora and fauna but also helps us maintain the health and resilience of our forests for future generations."

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for their active engagement and cooperation, which has been vital in the implementation of this prescribed burn,” added De Meyer.

While on ongoing project, the Forest Service does not have immediate plans for future burns. Those interested can keep up on the Bozeman Municipal Watershed’s Forest Fuels Reduction Project progress here.