Shenandoah National Park Plans Prescribed Burns

Date: February 5, 2009

Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Martha Bogle announced that, weather permitting, the National Park Service will initiate several prescribed burns in Shenandoah National Park this year. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, it is not possible to predict the exact dates.

Prescribed fires are fires ignited on purpose by managers under a predetermined set of conditions, called a prescription, in order to accomplish specific resource management objectives. The prescription includes weather, fuel moisture, and resource availability parameters. The following burns are planned for this year:

• Big Meadows: Portions of Big Meadows, the open area across from Byrd Visitor Center, are burned each year. In February, March or April, approximately 35 acres will be burned in the eastern portion of the field for the purpose of maintaining the open vista by preventing encroachment by woody species.
  
• Vista Maintenance: As part of an ongoing project, the park will use fire to maintain open vistas by preventing encroachment by woody species at many scenic locations along Skyline Drive. Park staff plan to burn three to four vistas this year.

All prescribed burns will be interagency projects, with local support, under the guidance and direction of trained and experienced National Park Service personnel.