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On March 21, 2005, Richmond National Battlefield
Park (VA) successfully conducted a prescribed burn of approximately
one-half acre of non-forested Civil War earthworks at Fort
Harrison. The primary objective was to maintain the interpreted
earthworks by promoting native tall grasses that impede erosion
of these historic resources. Native grasses also require less
herbicide and less physical intervention on the earthworks
than non-native grasses.
To preserve as much duff as possible and
minimize the potential for erosion, a fast moving fire was
the key. The grass was ignited by lighting the ridgeline of
the earthworks followed by igniting the base, allowing the
fire to run quickly upslope. The burn was experimental, at
the end of this growing season the vegetative cover in the
burned section will be compared to an unburned section of
earthwork to determine if the objectives were met.
Firefighters came from Richmond NBP, Fredericksburg
and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Shenandoah National
Park. Prior to the burn, park neighbors and assisting agencies
were notified in person. They also received a site bulletin
describing the proposed burn.
Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates
more than 30 Civil War battles around the city, the former
capital of the Confederacy.
Contact:
Barb Stewart, Regional Fire Education, Prevention, and Information
Specialist
Phone: (434) 977-1375 x3365 |
