News Release

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Plans Prescribed Burns

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 7, 2022

Contact: Brian Eick, 434-352-8987 Ext. 228

Appomattox, Va. –National Park fire managers are planning four prescribed burns in the park during the month of March. Ignition of prescribed fire is dependent on favorable weather conditions, and due to weather uncertainty, it is not possible to predict the exact dates for each burn. The weather also plays a factor in the level of smoke produced by the prescription burns, so there is potential for smoke along Route 24 within the park boundaries. Please be aware of potential smoke during the latter part of March when traveling through the park. Park trails near the burn units will be closed on the day of the burn. The park will provide an announcement of exact dates on its Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AppomattoxNPS/.

Prescribed fires are ignited by fire managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, including weather, fuel moisture and resource availability. Prescribed fire is used to reduce encroaching woody vegetation, improve the health and vigor of native grasses, and promote growth of native wildflowers. The following burns are planned for this year:

• Village Field Unit: This four-acre field is located on the northern side of the historic village located along Tibbs Trail. The field was last burned in 2019.
• Ferguson Field: This 25-acre field is located near the Joel Sweeney Cemetery. The field is encircled by the Ferguson Wildlife Trail. The field was last burned in 2019.
• Upper Nash Field: This 14-acre field, located along the park's Gordon Drive, is traversed by the Tibbs Trail. This field was last burned in 2013
• Scott Field: This 16-acre field is located along the park’s Gordon Drive across from the Upper Nash Field.

All prescribed burns will be conducted as interagency projects, with local support, under the guidance and direction of trained and experienced National Park Service personnel. Specific questions about the prescribed burns should be directed to Brian Eick at 434-352-8987 ext. 228.