PEA RIDGE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

— Pea Ridge National Military Park is planning to conduct prescribed fire operation during March. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park and trails may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion.

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

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,” said Scott. “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 whileachieving 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, contact Tony Collins at (870) 365-2772.

On the Record, Pages 3 on 03/16/2011