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Beatrice - Homestead National Monument of America will conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 50 acres of its restored tallgrass prairie. This one day event will occur the first day in which favorable and safe conditions exist after April 21. 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 2.5 miles of trails within the monument will be temporarily closed during the prescribed burn and will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe. 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 (HomesteadNM), and Instagram (HomesteadNPS). Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdayand Sunday. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit https://www.nps.gov/home/ EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM |
Last updated: April 21, 2015