Pea Ridge NMP Announces Prescribed Burns

Date: January 11, 2012
Contact: Nolan Moore, 479-451-8122 ex 225

Pea Ridge National Military Park is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations sometime during the months of January through April 2012, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park and trails may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion.

"Weather conditions permitting, some fields and portions of forest will be burned," said John Scott, park superintendent.

PRESCRIBED FIRE PLANNED AT Pea Ridge National Military Park 

Historic Landscape maintenance and restoration, and exotic species and fuels reduction are the primary reasons for the prescribed fire operation.  

"Fire is a natural process, and has been a part of Arkansas landscapes for thousands of years," said Scott. "Prescribed fire is a way for land managers to utilize fire in a carefully planned manner, using very specific weather and personnel guidelines to protect public safety while achieving resource management objectives." 

Fire managers make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities, though smoke-sensitive individuals may want to avoid outside activities on the day of the operation.  

For more information concerning whether or not prescribed fire operations will be occurring on any given day call the Visitor Center at [phone].