Prescribed Fire Planned for Stones River National Battlefield

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - On Feb. 28, wildland fighters with Stones River National Battlefield and the National Park Service's Mississippi River Zone Fire Management Crew will conduct prescribed burns across 40 acres at Fortress Rosecrans and Redoubt Brannan. Some areas of the park will be closed during times needed to complete the burns. The visitor center and main park areas will remain open during regular hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The goal of the burns is to promote the growth of native species, including grasses that stabilize the historic earthen fortifications throughout the battlefield. Fire will also recycle nutrients into the soil and help control invasive plants. The park will conduct burns only if the weather conditions fall within a narrow range that provides for the greatest safety and best smoke management.

Check the park's website and Facebook page for daily updates on burn activities and site closures.