2005

Homestead National Monument of America
Successful Prescribed Burn at Homestead National Monument of America

Homestead National Monument of America accomplished a prescribed burn on 30 acres of the park's restored tallgrass prairie on September 15. The prescribed burn used resources from other agencies composing a true interagency cooperation. National Park Service staff from the Midwest Regional Office and Homestead NM of America coordinated efforts with the Fish and Wildlife Service out of the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District from Kearney, Nebraska and Marais des Cygnes from Pleasanton, Kansas. The Bureau of Indian Affairs from the Horton Agency in Horton, Kansas provided 3 wildland firefighters. The Beatrice and Fairbury Volunteer Rural Fire Department and Beatrice City Fire Department all contributed resources to provide for the safe completion of the prescribed burn.

The prescribed burn was also used as an educational opportunity for students to learn about fire ecology. Nearly 100 students from Connecticut and Nebraska were able to witness the burn in real-time using a wireless internet protocol link to see the burn in progress and talk with a ranger as events unfolded. Students interacted with the ranger and asked questions about the tools and equipment used for wildland firefighting. The ranger used the prescribed burn as a teachable moment to further enhance the students' understanding of fire as a management tool on the tallgrass prairie.

Contact: Amy Garrett, Park Ranger
Phone: 402-223-3514

Homestead National Monument of America
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