Prescribed burn creates smoky skies in northern New Mexico

PHOTO KRISTEN HONIG

On Nov. 1, the Valles Caldera Trust ignited the Valle Toledo prescribed fire in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, formerly the privately owned "Baca Ranch," in the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico. The 1,800-acre grassland fire burned for three days.

The 88,900-acre property was purchased by the federal government in 2000 under the Valles Caldera National Preservation Act. The Valles Caldera Trust oversees the preserve, which is known for its huge meadows, abundant wildlife, meandering streams and remarkable scenery.

Marie Rodriguez, natural resource coordinator for the Trust, says "Learning from Fire" was the theme for the prescribed burn-the first since the federal acquisition in 2000.