MADRAS, Ore. -- A 1,000-acre prescribed burn is scheduled for ignition on the Crooked River National Grassland early next week, weather permitting, officials said Tuesday.

The Cemetery burn project is located one mile southeast of Haystack Reservoir and adjacent to the Scales Corral Road (Forest Road 96/Laurel Lane).

The objective of this burn is to improve the vigor of native plants, and to restore spring flow and increase forage for wildlife and livestock by using prescribed fire to reduce juniper.

“It has been approximately 20 years since we’ve burned in this particular area, so it’s time for another treatment,” said Fire Management Officer Kevin Donham. “To keep a grassland ecosystem healthy, it’s best to burn every 15-20 years.”

Several engines, a water tender and a 20-person crew will conduct, mop up and patrol the burn. Firefighters will start with the development of a black line to create a perimeter to contain the fire within the planned area.

The burn will be implemented in two phases, taking approximately six days total to complete.

Road 96 (Laurel Lane), the cutoff road to Haystack Reservoir between Highway 26 and Highway 97, will likely be closed during burning operations due to impacts from smoke. An alternate route may be used from Highway 26 utilizing Road 96 west past Cyrus Horse Camp and north on old Highway 97 to the Haystack Reservoir turnoff.

The cemetery burn marks the start of the fall prescribed burn season on the Ochoco National Forest. Approximately 8,000 acres of grassland and forest are scheduled for prescribed burn projects, as weather permits, through December of 2010. Additional notifications will occur as projects are scheduled.