Congaree National Park to Conduct Prescribed Burns April 5-7, 2024

News Release Date:
April 1, 2024

Contact:Jason Johnson, (803) 647-3967

HOPKINS, SC -Park rangers from Congaree National Park, along with staff from the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal (APC) Zone, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, The South Carolina Forestry Commission, with support from the Columbia Fire Department, are planning to conduct prescribed burns in several of the park's upland burn units between April 5-7, 2024, weather and conditions permitting. The intended goal of these operations is ground fuel reduction and habitat restoration, in accordance with the park's fire management plan.

In order to achieve fire management plan objectives and ensure the safety of park visitors during prescribed fire operations, certain trails and park facilities, such as the Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds, will be closed. This will include reservations for the evening of April 4 to ensure the campgrounds are clear ahead of the burn for safety. All trail closures will be clearly marked with signs, and all trail or facility closures will be posted on the park's website and social media pages. Anyone with reservation for a campsite that is cancelled due to a campground closure will be issued refund for the period of their stay affected by the closure.

Additionally, smoke may be seen for several miles and may drift over nearby roads and trails, reducing visibility. Drivers should use caution as fire crews and equipment may be operating along the park entrance road and other nearby roads.

Further details and updates can be found on the park's website, www.nps.gov/cong, and on the park's social media channels.

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