Cowpens National Battlefield Westside Prescribed Fire
National Fire Plan – Fuels Reduction *
On February 20, 2008, resources from several southeastern parks assembled at Cowpens National Battlefield, South Carolina to implement the Westside Prescribed Fire. The goals of this burn were to reduce the amount of hazardous fuels within the unit and to create a more open, savanna-like, condition. The long-term goal is to eventually increase the native biodiversity of the site and to make the area appear similar to the time of the Battle of Cowpens in 1780.
The convergence of various resources and experience levels on the Westside Prescribed Fire provided many learning opportunities. In addition to fire personnel from several nearby parks, personnel from both the National Weather Service (NWS) and Clemson University Cooperative Extension also participated. The NWS person participated to learn more about Cowpens’ prescribed fire program in order to better understand the weather forecasting needs. The Clemson personnel were conducting research regarding fire effects on Hexastylis nanoflora, a federally threatened plant species. The Westside burn was a resounding success and opportunities for learning and gaining experience on various subjects were available to everyone on the burn.
Contact:Christopher Davis, Forestry Technician, Cumberland Gap Fire Use Module
Phone:(276) 861-3418
