Homestead National Monument of America Reschedules Prescribed Burn

Date: October 9, 2015

Homestead National Monument of America will conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 30 acres of restored tallgrass prairie. This one day event will occur the first day in which favorable and safe conditions exist between October 13 and November 6, 2015.A fall burn is being attempted due to wet weather conditions which caused the cancellation of the burn originally planned for the spring of 2015.Representatives from the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and local firefighters and departments will assist in setting, monitoring and controlling the prescribed fire.

"Historically, fire has been a tool in the management of the prairie at Homestead National Monument of America." said Mark Engler, Superintendent of Homestead National Monument of America. "Today, the National Park Service conducts carefully planned prescribed fires to control woody plants, invasive species, as well as reduce thatch. Though fire is often considered to be inherently dangerous, it is a natural occurrence that holds many benefits for the native prairie grasses. We are grateful for the assistance from local firefighters, fire departments and other federal agencies on our prescribed burn."

The 3.0 miles of trails within the monument will be temporarily closed during the prescribed burn and will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe. Travelers on State Hwy 4 should use extra caution if traveling through the monument while the burn is occurring. The public is invited to view the burn from the Heritage Center patio.

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2015. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM), Facebook (Homestead NM), and Instagram (HomesteadNPS). You can also stop into the park and get a schedule of events. For information on the Monument's programs or activities, please call [phone] or visithttps://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm.

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska.  Current hours of operation are8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.MondaythroughFridayand9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.on the weekends. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit https://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm.