Rapid City, S.D. – Wind Cave National Park is planning a 1,094-acre prescribed burn this fall to reduce wildfire risks and maintain the health of its prairie ecosystem. The project will take place east of the park’s headquarters.
Park officials say the exact timing of the burn is dependent on a number of factors, including weather forecasts, moisture levels and resource availability. This same area was scheduled for a burn last spring, but the project was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
“Prescribed fires help maintain a healthy mixed-grass prairie ecosystem,” said Park Superintendent Eric Gabriel.
“They reduce fuel loads and the chances of a catastrophic wildfire along with keeping the balance between forest and prairie in check.”
Crews will ignite the burn using ground resources. National Park Service personnel will be assisted by other interagency resources.
During the burn, smoke may be heavy along Highways 385 and 87, and these highways could face intermittent closures for safety. Smoke may be visible in the area for several days after the burn, especially without significant precipitation.
The Lookout Point, Highland Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon Trails will be closed during firing operations. Park officials say they will try to minimize other impacts to visitors.
Prescribed fires are conducted only when specific conditions are met, including acceptable humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and short and long-range weather patterns. If these parameters are not met, the burn is postponed. This approach is central to the fire management strategy at the park near Rapid City.