Spring prescribed fire planned for Shiloh National Military Park

SHILOH, Tenn. — Shiloh National Military Park will conduct a prescribed fire between March 19 and 31.

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 Dill Branch Watershed Unit, is a 218.6-acre unit located on the northeast border of the battlefield. It is bordered by Pittsburg Landing Road to the north, Confederate Road to west and Riverside Drive to the east and south.

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. Timing of the burn will depend on weather conditions.

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 Battlefield’s controlled burn program, please contact the park at 731-689-5275.

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