BLM to begin fuels reduction project in King Range

ARCATA, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management will begin a fuels reduction project to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health beginning Oct. 29 and continuing through February on public lands in the King Range National Conservation in southern Humboldt County.

The project will include tree stand thinning and mastication, or crushing, of small trees and brush along the Smith-Etter, Saddle Mountain and King Range roads. Visitors could expect delays along these roads and will encounter heavy equipment.

"This project is critically important for improving health of the forest and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire," said Paul Sever, manager of the King Range NCA. "We are asking the public to be patient as the work is completed.

The work is part of an ongoing forest health project funded by a Cal Fire grant. More information is available from the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.