Prescribed Burn Reducing Slash Piles

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News Release Date: April 26, 2016
Contact: Maureen McGee-Ballinger, 605-574-3115

KEYSTONE, S.D. –Tuesday April 26 Mount Rushmore National Memorial will implement a prescribed burn to reduce accumulated slash piles in support of the park's fire management plan. The burns will begin at the south east park boundary. Continued snow on Wednesday through Friday may result in additional burning for the following three days conditions permitting.

Visitors may see hand crews working in the forest, burning slash piles or experience drifting smoke and haze throughout the burn period. Natural barriers within the prescribed section ensure a clear and safe operational area. The prescription includes burning residual slash piles, removal of needle accumulation and minimal ground cover. 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial has successfully completed several fuel-reducing projects in the past several years in an attempt to provide a means to stop or slow the growth of any unwanted wildfire. These projects have included thinning, through prescribed fire or mechanical removal, overcrowded stands of timber near critical structures and areas within the memorial. 

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