Chesterton Tribune

 

 

NPS Prescribed burns planned this fall at National Lakeshore

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The National Park Service (NPS) is planning several prescribed fires this fall at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

“Approximately 1,075 acres are scheduled to be burned,” NPS said in a statement released on Monday. “Fire is used as a tool for the park’s long-term restoration and hazard fuel reduction efforts.”

Affected areas:

* 177 acres on the south and east side of Dune Acres, to be burned as part of the Howe’s Prairie/Lupine Lane burn. “This carefully controlled fire will help lower the threat of wildfire on the east side of Dune Acres by reducing available fuels on the ground,” NPS said. “Fire in this area is also essential in restoring the oak savanna prairie ecosystem.”

* 196 acres of the Mnoke Prairie, on Beam Street west of U.S. Highway 12, not far from the National Lakeshore’s HQ. This burn “is part of a long-term restoration program that sees the area burned every other year,” NPS said.

* 174 acres in Hobart, on the west side of Lake George along the Oak Savanna Bike Trail. “This burn is part of the continuing restoration of former farmland back into thriving woodland,” NPS said.

* And 528 acres--the largest of the four--in the Tolleston Dunes in Portage, immediately south of U.S. 12 and east of the Porter-Lake County Line Road. “This burn helps to maintain critical habitat for the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly,” NPS said.

Residents of Porter County may sign up to receive prescribed fire notifications through Porter County’s new “Alert Porter County” system, NPS noted. As part of the program, residents can register to receive a text message, email, or voice message when prescribed fires are happening at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Go towww.smart911.com

In addition, the National Lakeshore announces prescribed fire activity on its Facebook page at www.facebok.com/IndianaDunesNL

“The prescribed fire program at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is conducted by trained and experienced National Park Service fire personnel,” NPS said. “Smoke dispersal is a primary concern and park staff will do everything possible to limit smoke in the area by monitoring wind and atmospheric conditions prior to ignitions. However, smoke drifting in and around park lands and roadways is possible.”

“Clear management goals and objectives have been established for each burn unit,” NPS added. “Before burning, a designated set of conditions must exist including ideal air temperature, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the duration of the burn to ensure the fire is completed safely.”

 

Posted 10/6/2015

 
 
 
 

 

 

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