The National Park
Service (NPS) is planning five prescribed fires this fall at Indiana Dunes
National Lakeshore, with approximately 1,233 acres scheduled to be burned.
“Fire is used as a
tool for the park’s long-term restoration and hazard fuel reduction
efforts,” NPS noted in a statement released today.
On the south and
east side of Dune Acres, 543 acres will be burned as part of the Howes
Prairie/Lupine Lane Prescribed Fire, which will help in creating a buffer to
lower the threat of wildfire on the east side of the town. “By park staff
intentionally burning the leaves, brush, and other forest debris, there is
less fuel on the ground for a wildfire to burn resulting in decreased threat
to the facility,” NPS said. “Fire in this area is also essential in
restoring the Oak Savanna prairie ecosystem.”
In the Miller
neighborhood of Gary, two separate burns along the Marquette Trail are
planned: 299 acres south of the trail from Grand Blvd. east
to County Line Road; and 37 acres north of the trail, just east of the Gary
Middle School on Parke Street.
Near Beverly
Shores, 77 acres will be burned in and around the Dunewood Campground; as
well as 277 acres at the north end of East State Park Road, near the Kemil
Beach parking lot.
Residents of Porter
County may sign up to receive prescribed fire notifications through Porter
County’s Alert Porter County system. As part of the program, residents can
register to receive a text message, e-mail, or voice message when prescribed
fires are happening at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Visit
www.smart911.com to sign up for this
free service or download the Smart911 app for your smartphone.
The National
Lakeshore also announces prescribed fire activity at 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 are 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.”