Controlled burn to be conducted on Shiloh Battlefield

Shiloh, TN – “Shiloh National Military Park will conduct a prescribed burn in the next several weeks,” announced Superintendent Catherine Bragaw. “Prescribed burns are weather  dependent, which requires us to work within a window of time waiting for the proper weather conditions.”  

Park staff, with assistance from the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Team, will burn  one of four burn units at the Shiloh Battlefield. This unit, the Northern Spain Branch Unit, is a  163-acre unit located on the south-central border of the battlefield. The unit is bordered by  Hamburg-Purdy Road to the north and Eastern Corinth Road to the west.  

Prescribed fire is a beneficial and cost-effective tool for managing several forest types, as well as  grasslands. Historically, fire has played a natural role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. A  controlled burn reduces the build-up of dead woody debris and non-native vegetation,  decreases risk of catastrophic wildfire, and provides habitat and forage for animals. This year  park management aims to begin the burn as early as April 14th, and it may occur anytime until  May 15th, with weather conditions being the determining factor. 

Warning signs will be placed along the border roads as a safety precaution to motorists and  pedestrians. Motorists are expected to travel at a safe speed with their headlights on when  smoke is present during the burn. They should also be alert for park rangers, wildland  firefighters, and equipment along these roadways.  

For more information about Shiloh National Military Park’s control burn program, please  contact Shiloh National Military Park’s Natural Resources Program Manager Marcus Johnson  at (731) 689-5275. 

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