PEA RIDGE — Pea Ridge National Military Park National Park is planning to conduct prescribed fire operation sometime during March through middle of April, 2010.

“Weather conditions permitting, some fields and portions of forest from the tour road to the north boundary will be burned,” John Scott, park superintendent, said.

Historic landscape maintenance and restoration, and exotic species and fuels reduction are the primary reasons for the prescribed fire operation.

“Fire is a natural process, and has been a part of Arkansas landscapes for thousands of years,” Scott said.

“Prescribed fire is a way for land managers to utilize fire in a carefully planned manner, using very specific weather and personnel guidelines to protect public safety while achieving resource management objectives.”

Fire managers make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities, though smoke-sensitive individuals may want to avoid outside activities on the day of the operation.

For more information concerning the prescribed fire program at Pea Ridge National Military Park, call Tony Collins at 870-365-2772.

Community, Pages 11 on 03/24/2010