Arches National Park Slash Pile Burning

During the week of October 17, 2005, depending on weather conditions, a fire management crew from Mesa Verde National Park plans to burn approximately 50 slash piles of tamarisk in the north Courthouse Wash area of Arches National Park.
Last year, National Park Service Exotic Plant Management Teams (EPMTs) removed invasive tamarisk that was impacting native vegetation and creating a fire hazard in riparian areas. Burning the slash piles is another step in returning the area to a more natural condition. This project also will reduce hazardous fuels accumulations.
Smoke from the burn may be visible from Moab. Rangers will alert visitors to smoke visible from the park road. The burn is not expected to limit visitor activities, and is being permitted by the Utah Division of Air Quality.