There haven’t been a lot of controlled burns so far this season just because of how wet and snowy it has been. However, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve has officially opened its prescribed fire season this week.
The fire season lasts through April, depending on weather conditions and moisture. This is important for preserve management because it helps to promote a healthy prairie, foster native plant and animal diversity and control woody vegetation. It’s also important for visitors because certain trails and areas may well close on short notice because of the fire and resulting smoke. As a result, visitors are asked to not cross any fire lines or go past any barricades or signage.
The annual prescribed fire season is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Residents can visit the preserve’s Facebook page or go online to nps.gov/tapr for more information about the fire season now underway.
