Two projects on park lands above the Middle Delaware
River treated a total of 36 acres with fire. The common
goals of Loch Lomand 1 and Snyder 1 were the
maintenance of open space and the cultural landscape as
well as the removal of exotic plant species. Firefighters
from the park, nearby NPS areas and the US Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) together worked safely to
complete the projects.
Loch Lomand 1, near Dingman’s Ferry, also provided a
measure of protection for the wildland-urban interface as
the 26-acre unit is near the park boundary. Red-carded
staff came from Delaware Water Gap NRA, Upper
Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Independence
National Historical Park, Statue of Liberty National
Monument, Gateway NRA, and the USFWS. This was
the first prescribed fire experience for many of the
participants. Several media outlets filmed the burn.
Snyder 1, south of Milford, served to maintain a fuel
reduction area between the town, a designated community
at risk, and the park. Resources came from the two
Delaware River parks, Statue of Liberty and the USFWS.
The main fuel, big blue stem grass, produced impressive
flame lengths despite the high humidity, providing
valuable lessons in fire behavior.
Additional prescribed burns are planned in these areas as the park begins to expand its open space
burning program.
Contact: Barb Stewart, Fire Communication and Education Specialist, NPS Northeast and
National Capital Regions
Phone: (434) 220-9065
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
