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Prescribed Fire Underway (NPS Photo) |
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As with almost all natural parks in the country, Washita Battlefield suffers from years of fire suppression. Historically the mixed-grass prairie would burn on average every three to five years. These fires were the result of lightning or were deliberately set by Native Americans since prehistoric times. As a consequence, the native prairie plants evolved in concert with this semi-regular burning interval. The suppression of fire on the landscape during the 20'th century has contributed to weedy plant species, both native and non-native, growing much more densely than had ever been the case in the past. This increase in fuel loads can lead to catastrophic wildfires when uncontrolled fires do occur. These intense fires are capable of sterilizing the soil itself, which doesn't happen during a light, fast-moving natural fire. To help correct this unnatural situation, the park is hoping to institute a prescribed burning program in the near future, as soon as environmental compliance requirements have been fulfilled.
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