EIGHTH ANNUAL FOCUS ON FIRE WEEK TO BE HELD AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

The eighth annual Focus on Fire Week will be held at Badlands National Park during the week of July 20 through 26, 2003. A special exhibit will be available in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which is located in the Cedar Pass area of the park and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Prairie Walk, occurring at 6:30 PM every day, features fire as a management tool. The Prairie Walk leaves from the front porch of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Fire has been used by people to manage grasses and control wildlife for centuries. At Badlands National Park, prescribed fire is used to reduce invasive plant species and encourage the growth of native plants. Prescribed burns are conducted in spring and fall each year if wind, moisture, and vegetation conditions are just right.

For more information on Badlands National Park and Focus on Fire Week, contact Tori Kohn at (605) 433 - 5246.