Prescribed Fires planned at Saratoga NHP

News Release Date:
April 7, 2021

Contact:David LaMere, (518)670-2960

STILLWATER, NY: Saratoga National Historical Park is planning a series of prescribed fires in the coming weeks. The areas to be burned this year include approximately 40 acres of grasses, shrubs, and woodlands on the hillsides around stop 3 and stop 9 on the park tour road.

Depending on favorable weather and site conditions, the first burns could take place during the second or third week in April. Because certain prescription parameters must be met (including wind speed, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and drought index), it is not possible to precisely schedule prescribed fires in advance. Roads, visitor use facilities, and hiking trails may be temporarily closed while burns are underway.

Prescribed fire is an approved tool for natural resource management throughout the National Park System and is part of Saratoga National Historical Park's fire management program. The primary objectives of the prescribed fire program are: restoration and perpetuation of scenic and cultural landscapes, including native plant species; reduction of wildland fuel loading; and enhancement of wildlife habitat.

Assistance may be provided by firefighters from other National Park Service units, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Forest Rangers and The Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or Twitter @SaratogaNHP.

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