Beatrice, Nebraska - Homestead National Historical Park plans to conduct a prescribed burn treating approximately 60 acres. The prescribed fire will occur the first day in which favorable and safe conditions exist between now and May 1, 2023. Representatives from the National Park Service, local firefighters, and other federal firefighting agencies and departments will assist in igniting, monitoring, and controlling the prescribed fire.
The areas that will be treated with fire are in the woodland in the southwest part of the park and the prairie around the Freeman School.
“Without fire oak woodlands do not exist. It is our hope that by reintroducing fire in the woodland it will increase the plant diversity and overall health of the woodland,” remarked Resource Management Specialist Jesse Bolli of Homestead National Historical Park.
The 2.5 miles of trails within the park may be temporarily closed during the prescribed burn and will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe. Travelers on State Hwy 4 should use extra caution if traveling through the park while the burn is occurring. The public is invited to view the burn from the Heritage Center patio.
You can also learn more about the park and available accessibility accommodations by visiting the park website, or you can contact us at home_information@nps.gov or at (402) 223-3514.
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