Chugach National Forest fire management staff will conduct prescribed fire activities on forest lands near Quartz Creek, Crescent Creek, and Russian River Campgrounds near Cooper Landing and near Hope Point trailhead in Hope, beginning in January.
Prescribed burning of slash piles created as a result on-going spruce beetle mitigation and hazardous fuels reduction projects is necessary to reduce wildfire potential and reduce wildfire severity if one were to occur. Approximately 200 acres are planned for hazardous fuels reduction activity in winter and early spring of 2023.
Forest Service personnel will closely monitor local environmental conditions and work with the National Weather Service to assess weather patterns most favorable to smoke dispersion, minimizing smoke impacts to the public, fire management personnel, populated areas, and highway corridors.
Some residual smoke could be present along the highway corridor in the late evenings and early mornings following prescribed burning activity. Motorists in these areas should exercise caution.
Smoke may be visible in the following areas:
• Sterling Highway, near milepost 53, Russian River Campground Road
• Sterling Highway, near milepost 45, Quartz Creek Road
• Sterling Highway, near milepost 43
• Hope community near Porcupine Campground/Hope Point trailhead
Follow @ChugachForestAK for current pile burning and smoke information.