News Release

National Park Service Plans Prescribed Burns at Knife River Indian Villages NHS

Firefighters conduct a prescribed fire at Knife River Indian Villages NHS

Emilee Franklin | NPS

News Release Date: April 25, 2025

Contact: Emilee Franklin, 701-745-3300

STANTON, N.D. – The National Park Service has scheduled prescribed fires on federal lands in Mercer County this Spring depending on environmental conditions. These prescribed fires will reduce wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat and native plant restoration.

Prescribed burns are planned to start early May through early June as conditions allow. Smoke may be visible during the burns. The NPS will provide community updates on social media and its website updating closures, reopening, and any smoke impacts.

Prescribed fire operations represent many months and sometimes years of planning and preparation. The current plan is to burn approximately 130 acres throughout Big Hidatsa East, North Forest Trail and Two Rivers Trail. The burn areas are mainly grasslands, with small areas of shrubs and trees.

When optimal conditions exist for a safe burn, park neighbors, local fire departments, and law enforcement agencies will be notified prior to the burn. Signs will also be posted on the main road and impacted trails and areas. Visitors planning to visit during a prescribed burn are encouraged to stop by the Visitor Center at: 564 County Road 37 Stanton, ND 58571, for current fire information and closures. Visitors should not assume an area is safe before talking with park staff.

During this brief period, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site will be closing access to the Big Hidatsa Village site, and North Forest and Two Rivers trails during burn operations to ensure visitor and staff safety. These areas will remain closed until the burn is completed and deemed safe.For more information about the park or planned prescribed burns contact the Knife River Indian Villages NHS Visitor Center at 701-745-3300, or visit  www.nps.gov/knri, Facebook or Instagram pages.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

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