La Pine, Oregon — Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire specialists are planning to burn piles of woody debris in La Pine State Park this Saturday, March 31, 2007.  The piles are located on the north end of La Pine State Park near Forest Lane and west of the Deschutes River.

This project is a collaboration of efforts between the BLM, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers thinned several acres of La Pine State Park adjacent to homes along Forest Lane homes to reduce hazardous fuels, creating approximately 17 piles of debris.

No public use restrictions are anticipated for La Pine State Park, but BLM fuels specialists and Oregon Parks and Recreation Staff will monitor the piles as they burn. If smoke drifts onto roadways in La Pine State Park or nearby subdivisions, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights.

The BLM will follow policies outlined in the ODF smoke management plan, which governs controlled burns, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health.

The burn may be postponed to a later date if weather conditions are unfavorable. For more information, contact Prineville District, BLM at (541) 416-6700.