News Release

Fie Management Plan Approved for Cross Plains Interpretive Site

Date: November 19, 2021
Contact: Eric Gabriel

CROSS PLAINS, Wis., – The National Park Service (NPS) has approved a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for its Fire Management Plan (FMP) and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (Ice Age NST) Ice Age Complex at Cross Plains. The proposed plan addresses vegetation management through prescribed burns on the 161-acre NPS site at Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

The intent of the FMP is to reduce hazardous wildland fuels to ensure protection of life, property, cultural values, and natural resources. Methods for accomplishing hazardous fuels reduction include prescribed fire, mechanical removal, and pesticide treatments. Although work to remove invasive plants and retore native vegetation has been ongoing for several years, the use of fire to restore Oak Savanna at the site is key to restoration and sustainability of these landscapes. An Oak Savanna fire-adapted landscape was once dominant (5.5 million acres) throughout much of the state with less than 0.01% remaining today. In addition, prescribed burning will also encourage biological diversity and improve habitat for threatened and endangered flora and fauna species such as Rusty Patch Bumble Bee and Northern Long Eared Bat.

For more information, please contact Eric Gabriel, email: [e-mail] ph: 608- 798-8690 or Mary Tano, email: [e-mail] ph: 608-798-8681