News Release

Springtime Prescribed Fires

Date: March 15, 2023
Contact: Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann, 812-937-4541

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial plans springtime prescribed fires
LINCOLN CITY, IN

The National Park Service is planning to conduct two prescribed fires this spring at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial totaling approximately 40 acres. The prescribed fires will take place in the forested area north of the pioneer cemetery within the park boundaries and in a small pasture area on the west side of County Road 300 East and are tentatively scheduled between the middle of March and the middle of April 2023. The over-riding goals stated in the park’s planning documents are to provide a high-quality visitor experience, to maintain all its resources in good condition, and address cultural and natural resource protection and promotion and visitor safety. The provision and promotion of a landscape representative of the pre-settlement setting, including both wildlife and vegetation, is an objective for both the cultural and natural aspects of the park: the forest provides the context for the historic scene, the Olmsted landscape, and a setting that allows for quiet reflection. Natural resource objectives also include increasing native biodiversity, reducing the occurrence and extent of exotic vegetation, and promotion of oak-dominated forest types. Prescribed fires will reduce the invasive plant species and debris and create seedbeds and site conditions for healthy hickory, oak, and companion species to flourish while maintaining an open canopy to encourage growth. The National Park Service will announce prescribed fire activity and any site or trail closures on their Facebook page, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial | Facebook.