Stones River National Battlefield Plans Prescribed Burns

The staff at Stones River National Battlefield plans to burn about 114 acres of fields and approximately 71 acres of forested area between January 27 and February 7, 2020. These prescribed burns are a part of the park’s Fire Management Plan. The areas to be burned are located in the park’s Nashville Pike Unit.

The goals of the burns are to promote the growth of native species. Fire will also recycle nutrients into the soil and help control invasive plants. The burns will be conducted only if weather conditions fall within a narrow range that provides for the greatest safety and best smoke management. The exact dates and times for burning operations will be determined based on forecasted weather conditions meeting the prescription.

Specially trained wild land firefighters from the Mississippi River Fire Management Zone and Stones River National Battlefield will manage the prescribed burns. The park’s tour road and trail system may be closed periodically during times needed to complete the burns. The visitor center will remain open during regular hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Local news media and emergency services will be notified as soon as the date and times for the burns are confirmed.

For more information, call Chief Ranger Jim Lewis or Facilities and Natural Resources Manager Randy Anderson at 615-893-9501 during business hours Monday through Friday.