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NPS PHOTO
Contact: Troy Morris, 615-893-9501 After successfully burning 170 acres in march, the staff at Stones River National Battlefield plans to continue using prescribed fire to manage our natural and cultural resources on approximately 50 more acres in early April. These prescribed burns are a part of the park’s Fire Management Plan, which was developed with public and professional participation in 2003. The areas to be burned include Redoubt Brannan on West College Street and parts of McFadden Farm, as well as sites on the main battlefield adjoining Thompson Lane, Wilkinson Pike, NW Broad Street and Old Nashville Highway (see attached map).
The goals of the burns are to promote the growth of native species, including grasses that stabilize the historic earthen fortifications and dominate fields on the main battlefield and the McFadden Farm site. Fire will also recycle nutrients into the soil and help control invasive plants. The burns will be conducted only if the weather conditions fall within a narrow range that provides for the greatest safety and best smoke management. Specially trained wildland firefighters from the Natchez Trace Parkway and Stones River National Battlefield will manage the prescribed burns. Some areas of the park may be closed during times needed to complete the burns. The visitor center will remain open during regular hours of 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily. Local news media will be notified as soon as the days and times for the burns are determined. For more information, call Gib Backlund or Troy Morris at 615-893-9501 during business hours Monday through Friday. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015