A prescribed fire project is planned in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park, about four miles northwest of Polebridge, the National Park Service announced.
Approximately 125 acres are planned to be burned in the Big Prairie area by the end of September, depending on weather and fuel conditions. This project was initiated this spring with roughly 150 acres successfully managed through a prescribed burn. The entire project includes about 700 acres of prairie that will be managed with prescribed fire over the next several years.
Firefighter and equipment support from the Flathead National Forest was instrumental in the success of the spring burn. It is anticipated that forest personnel will assist with the fall burn as well.
The primary objective of the burn is to reduce lodgepole pine regeneration which is encroaching on the native prairie grassland, according to park officials. Managers hope to remove some lodgepole with fire and improve the growth of native grasses and shrubs.
This prescribed burn will only take place if optimum weather and smoke dispersal parameters are met. For more information, contact the park at 406-888-7800.