NPS sets fire to protect natural prairie at Site

Jason E.Silvers/Tribune photo A wildland fire member walks through the smoke.

Fort Scott National Historic Site staff got some assistance from various agencies for a controlled burn Wednesday afternoon at the site.

About five acres of restored tallg rass prairie were burned off for a project that FSNHS officials said will eliminate a buildup of hazardous fuels, control invasion of woody and exotic species and promote the growth of native prairie plants.

"It's to help cut back on some woody plant encroachment on the prairie and cut back on some of these cool season grasses that are not native prairie plants," FSNHS Chief Ranger Kelley Collins said. "We have some woody vegetation that's grown up and we want to get it under control."

Jason E. Silver/Tribune photo A member of the National Park Service wildland fire personnel torches unwanted growth.

For complete story, see the regular or electronic edition of The Tribune.

Jason E. Silvers, Tribune photos National Park Service wildland fire personnel monitor a prescribed fire Wednesday afternoon on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.