The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area plans to conduct prescribed burning in the eastern Gorge sometime in October or November when weather, fuel conditions, and air quality become favorable.  This prescribed burning will take place in Washington between Bingen and Lyle on National Forest System lands.  Burn areas will include the ridge located between Catherine and Major Creeks, and the south side of Catherine Creek.  The prescribed fire projects are located and designed to be controlled to reduce the potential for adverse effects, and for escape as a wildland fire.  Scenic Area officials say these projects will follow local air quality standards and are coordinated with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to reduce the impacts of smoke to our neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities.  Smoke may be visible on Highway 14 and Interstate 84 at times during the burns.  To minimize impacts from smoke, fire officials will determine burn dates based on weather conditions, and publish details on the Scenic Area Facebook and Twitter accounts.