Shingle Mill burn in Patrol Status

Manti-La Sal National Forest fire officials pause on implementing Fall prescribed burning within the Shingle Mill project area on the Monticello Ranger District. The Shingle Mill project area is located west and southwest of Monticello. Previously, approximately 1,500 acres of re-entry broadcast burning was scheduled to be conducted within the Shingle Mill project area.
Prior to the pause, officials completed 87 acres of burning within the project area. Due to warming weather trends, the Shingle Mill Prescribed Burn has transitioned to patrol status. No further ignitions will occur on this project until further notice.
This week, officials will keep the project area in patrol status by holding current fire parameter while observing and extinguishing smoldering woody debris and performing mop up. Smoke may still be visible within the immediate areas of the prescribed burn area and vantage points within San Juan County and Monticello. However, smoke should lift and dissipate quickly.
The focus of the Shingle Mill project is to improve vegetation and watershed conditions related to soils and ground cover, improve forage production for mule deer and elk, and to reduce the vegetative fuels associated with fire hazard.
This high-use area is part of the Monticello City municipal watershed and is in a Wildland-Urban Interface area. 
Prescribed burning is a proactive tool used to reduce hazardous fuels, which decreases the threat of high intensity, high-severity wildfires.
It also reduces the risk of insect and disease outbreak, recycles nutrients that increase soil productivity, improves wildlife habitat, and supports aspen restoration.