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Sequestration Effects on the Parkway
On March 1, 2013, the Parkway was required to reduce its annual budget by five percent, in accordance with the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Click the link to learn about visitor center, restroom, and services impacts. More »
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Portion of National Scenic Trail Near Tupelo Closed to Hikers
Part of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (NOT the Parkway) near Tupelo, MS, has been closed until 2015 due to construction under Tupelo's Major Thoroughfare Construction Project. Parkway travelers may expect delays, but no detours are expected. More »
Controlled Burning Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, 2008
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Contact: Shawn K. Nagle, (662) 680-4028
The Natchez Trace Parkway has released its prescribed fire (controlled burning) schedule for 2007-2008. From November 2007 through June 2008, prescribed fire operations will be conducted at various locations along the Parkway (See table below).
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. The benefits of using prescribed fire include reducing the buildup of dead woody material, decreasing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuating fire dependent vegetation, reducing exotic vegetation, providing habitat and forage for animals, and restoring the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mowline. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until the smoke has cleared.
Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended. The Parkway has been utilizing prescribed fire since 1992. Direction to utilize prescribed fire to achieve goals and objectives comes from the Parkway's Resource Management and Fire Management Plan. The Federal Wildland Fire Policy of 2001 recommends that federal land management agencies within fire dependent communities continue to reintroduce and maintain fire as part of the ecosystem. |
Did You Know?
The "Kaintucks", or boatmen from the Ohio River Valley, would walk approximately 500 miles from Natchez to Nashville along the Natchez Trace in about 30 days.