Prescribed Burns
NPS photo by Andy Ruth Firefighter monitors a prescribed burn Prescribed burns are planned ignitions that are implemented by trained fire professionals. The ignition and timing of these prescribed burns is dependent on the weather and fuels meeting the parameters of the burn prescription. Prescribed burning has a variety of purposes, including the reduction of fuel accumulations near developed areas, which helps reduce the threat of unplanned wildland fires in and around Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Prescribed burning benefits native species and habitats in a variety of ways. Native species are adapted to fire, and in many cases actually depend on fire in order to thrive. Managed fires help restore native habitats such as glades and savannas, which can suffer from the encroachment of woody species. Prescribed burning also improves the structure of forests and woodlands. Deer, turkeys, collared lizards and other species benefit from the use of fire to maintain or improve the habitat they depend on. For more information about recent prescribed fires conducted by the fire management staff at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, select the links below:
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Did You Know?
Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri has some of the finest examples of "karst features" such as caves, springs and sinkholes anywhere. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...