|
On Saturday April 2, 2005 through multi-agency
efforts, the last 47 acres in a two-year cycle of semi-annual
prescription burns was completed, realizing the first phase
of recovery on all 315 acres of Washita Battlefield National
Historic Site. Prescribed burning is a well-established agricultural
practice in the area, utilized to drive out noxious invasive
weeds and improve soil conditions. "This is a big first
step, in a multi-year restoration of native prairie grassland
towards restoring the historic landscape. I"m glad we
could accomplish this safely, and with cooperation from our
Forest Service and our National Park Service neighbors. Washita
is important, as a local and national heritage site, as is
working with local landowners to coordinate our efforts successfully",
said Superintendent Wendy Lauritzen, "This is a good
example of what we can do together".
Superintendent Lauritzen was on scene during
the procedure, noting that assistance from nearby landowners,
wildland crews from US Forest Service and other National Park
units was crucial - "I believe we have a win-win situation
that reflects the true spirit of a rural cooperation. We had
a seasoned crew accustomed to conducting prescription burns,
with a few honing skills we need on a national level by cross-training,
in an interagency effort with firefighters from federal, state,
tribal and local authorities: including the U.S. Forest Service,
National Park Service, and Fire Use Training Academy."
Firefighters and engine crews provided were
associated with Black Kettle National Grassland and Washita
Battlefield NHS (Cheyenne, OK), Lake Meredith National Recreation
Area (Fritch, TX), Hopi Nation, BIA, State of New Mexico,
Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Sulphur, OK) and FUTA:
Fire Use Training Academy (Albuquerque, NM). There were 19
people assigned to the fire operation which included 2 engines,
and a 6x6 ATV. Josh Erickson of Lake Meredith NRA was the
burn boss, "The burn crews did their jobs efficiently,
adjusting procedures to overcome unusually green burn conditions;
this is a skilled and careful group". Ignition of the
prescription burn occurred at 3:30 pm and the event debriefing
was completed by 8:00 pm.
As in previous burns, weather behavior predicted
by the National Weather Service (NWS), located in Norman,
OK was "dependable and accurate" according to Prescribed
Burn Boss Josh Erickson. "Extensive prescribed-burn experience
in various government agencies and conditions was evident
in the pre-planning and in every stage, as the team followed
through with the plan. This operation went smoothly. Of course,
our biggest concern is making sure everyone is careful about
their safety and that of the community, so we had the right
people, solid professionals, involved".
Semi-annual burns will now continue,
coupled with treatments to remove noxious weeds including
those that present a common threat to the agricultural community.
"It"s a long term commitment", Lauritzen said,
"but one we make knowing that this site has an impact
for both this community and for our visiting public." |
