Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to conduct five prescribed burns this fall

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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.”

 

 

Posted 10/11/2018

 
 
 
 

 

 

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