News Release

Prescribed Burn Planned at Pipestone National Monument

Date: April 10, 2021
Contact: Seth Hendriks, 507-825-5464

Pipestone National Monument plans to have a prescribed burn lasting one day during the period of April 26 – May 22, 2021.  When appropriate wind, temperature, and humidity conditions exist within this date range, approximately 100 acres of the tall grass prairie will be burned.  Additional information will be provided to park neighbors and the media when the appropriated conditions are forecasted, and the specific date of the prescribed burn is determined. 

Historically, the 18 million acres of native tall grass prairie that once covered the central plains, including Minnesota, experienced repeated lightning-caused fires.  The continual burning of the prairie reduced the buildup of accumulated organic plant material and suppressed the growth of woody tree and shrub species.  This in turn ensured native prairie growth by recycling essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and trace minerals, and decreasing plant competition from invading exotic species. 

Less than one percent of the original tall grass prairie in Minnesota remains.  This loss has greatly changed the probability of lightning-ignited fires.  Prescribed burns are conducted to mimic the benefits that fire produces for a healthy prairie.  The Monument has been conducting burns of the tall grass prairie since 1971.  Because of management efforts such as the use of prescribed fire, the hand removal of exotic vegetation, and the broadcast of native prairie seed, long-term monitoring data indicates a decrease in non-native exotic vegetation, along with an increase in native tall grass prairie at the Monument. 

The best way the public can support the health of the rare tall grass prairie at Pipestone is to stay on the paved trail while visiting. 

If you would like further information on the prescribed fire program at the monument, please call Natural Resources Manager Seth Hendriks at 507-825-5464.