Potential for prescribed burns at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

    

The USDA Forest Service announced plans today to conduct prescribed burning on a portion of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. These activities could begin this weekend, if weather conditions are favorable. Residents and drivers should be aware that the burn areas may be smoky.

USDA Forest Service staff will initiate prescribed fire operations as weather patterns shift to favorable modest spring temperatures and moderate humidity that is conducive to burning. Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and measurable moisture in vegetation are all taken into consideration.

The process of restoring and enhancing natural areas typically takes many years. There are approximately 3,000 acres of land that is actively undergoing restoration or enhancement at Midewin. Several tools are used to attain restoration goals including invasive species control through judicious herbicide application, field mowing, hand-pulling invasive plants, brush removal and use of prescribed fire. The last tool, fire, is the most effective and necessary part of the restoration recipe. 

Prescribed fire reduces hazardous fuels, minimizes the spread of plant and animal disease; removes invasive species that threaten species that are native to an ecosystem; provides forage for animals; improves habitat for threatened and endangered species; recycles nutrients back to the soil; and promotes the growth of forbs, tallgrasses, wildflowers and other plants.

Although careful planning and preparation for the use of prescribed fire takes place, smoke is a natural by-product of fire, and some amounts are unavoidable.

Over the next several weeks, from late-March and through April 2019, the public may see smoke or smell fire in various areas surrounding Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as a result of prescribed fire activities associated with our prairie restoration program.

As available, prescribed fire updates and information will be posted online on the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/midewin/home.