February 2, 2024 
Carson National Forest fire crews, with the support of the Ojo Sarco Volunteer and Red River fire departments, completed this season’s pile burning for the Rio Trampas Project yesterday. Piles made from approximately 180 acres of thinning in three locations (map) were treated with prescribed fire.
“I really want to thank the community for their help, support and engagement on this project,” said Camino Real District Ranger Michael Lujan. “Between this week’s work and pile burning south of Ojo Sarco last month, we are making strides toward improving forest health and decreasing the impact of wildfires to communities.”
Ridgelines of ponderosa pine are found between communities along the Highway 76 portion of the High Road to Taos. Although close in proximity, neighborhoods like Ojo Sarco, Trampas, El Valle and Chamisal, are all separated by Forest Service-managed lands. Through projects like the Rio Trampas, the Carson National Forest and partners, such as the Rio de Las Trampas Forest Council/Las Trampas Land Grant, are strategically reducing fuels to improve forest health around community boundaries.
Similar work is occurring and being planned across the Enchanted Circle Landscape, which a priority of the national Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
About 20 acres planned for treatment this week were not addressed because the cut branches had not cured, meaning they were not dry enough to be conducive to burning down. Crews will address them in the future, as well as continue to apply prescribed fire in upcoming years to build upon completed work.
For now, crews will patrol and monitor this week’s treated piles until the fires are called out.
A list of all planned pile burning this winter across the forest is available online.
(Photo: Piles burn along Forest Road 714 on Jan. 31, 2024)
NM Fire Info 
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