Shiloh Battlefield to Conduct Prescribed Burns

Shiloh National Military Park will conduct a prescribed burn in the early December. Park staff, with assistance from the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Team, will burn the East Branch Zone/Lost Field area. The East Branch Unit is a 232-acre unit bordered by Hamburg-Purdy Road to the north, Eastern Corinth Road to the east, Corinth Road to the west, and Peabody Road to the 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. This year park management aims to begin the burn in early December, and it may occur anytime in the following winter months, 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 Battlefield’s control burn program, please contact Marcus Johnson at (731) 689-5696. www.nps.gov/shil