Controlled Burning along the Natchez Trace Parkway in 2015

Date: December 9, 2014
Contact: Travis Neppl, 662-401-5288

TN, AL, and MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway released its prescribed fire (controlled burning) schedule for 2014-2015. From December 2014 through September 2015, prescribed fire operations will be conducted at various locations along the Parkway (see table below).

Prescribed Fire Name	Milepost		Prescribed Fire Name	Milepost
MP 404 Burn Pile	404.4		Arlington WUI	260.9 – 261.1
Tobacco Farm	401.7 – 403.1		Lakeside WUI	259.9 – 260.8
MP 401 Barrens	400.9 – 401.6		Hernando de Soto	243.2 – 245.9 W
ML Hiking Trails	385.7		Monroe Mission	243.2 – 245.9 E
MP 386 Burn Pile	385.6		Chickasaw Agency	241.0 – 241.6
Old Trace Drive	375.3 – 377.5		MP 231 Burn Pile	231.2
MP 334 Burn Pile	334.0		MP 219 Burn Pile	219.1
MP 309 Burn Pile	309.5		Little Mountain	192.9 – 193.3
Tishomingo State Park	304.0 – 304.9		MP 148 Burn Pile	148.4
Twentymile Overlook	278.3 – 278.6		MP 120 Burn Pile	119.5
Need Center	265.2 – 266.5		West Florida Boundary	107.9 – 108.2
Lakeshire Woodlands	262.4 – 263.8		Boyd Site	106.7 – 107.3
Chickasaw Village	261.4 – 262.0		Rocky Springs	54.1 – 55.8

Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.    

During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.

For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit

https://www.nps.gov/natr/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm