News Release Archive

Reclamation announces controlled burn near New Melones Lake in early June

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: June 04, 2020

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plan to conduct a prescribed burn near the northeastern portion of New Melones Lake in the Glory Hole Recreation Area on June 8. CALFIRE expects to begin the prescribed burn at around 10 a.m. and complete the same day; however, the decision to burn will be dependent on wind and weather conditions.

The purpose of the burn is to reduce noxious weeds, reduce the seedbed of invasive exotic plants, reduce wildfire fuels and enhance the existing chaparral/oak woodland habitat. The burn will cover approximately 95 acres.

No road closures are planned for the prescribed burn operations. CALFIRE crew members will assist with traffic control on Glory Hole and Angles Creek roads.

Smoke is likely during the burn and for several days after. Residents of Calaveras, Amador and Tuolumne counties may experience smoky conditions during the burning periods. Residents near the project area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during burn periods.

Contact Park Manager Cynthia Davenport about prescribed fire questions, at 209-536-9094, ext. 211 or cdavenport@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.