Gettysburg, Pa. – Gettysburg National Military Park is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire in late March or April, weather permitting. The park plans to burn portions of the west slope of Little Round Top (52 acres) and the Munshower field (36 acres) immediately north of Little Round Top. Prescribed fire activity will be completed no later than April 30.
The Park’s overall objectives are to maintain the conditions of the battlefield as experienced by the soldiers who fought here; perpetuate the open space character of the landscape; maintain wildlife habitat; control exotic invasive species; reduce shrub and woody species components; and reduce fuels in wooded areas to reduce fire hazard. The park contains over 1,000 acres of open grassland and prescribed fire is a successful tool in managing invasive plants and promoting native species, especially when used in conjunction with other treatments. Several national parks in Pennsylvania and Civil War battlefields regularly utilize prescribed fire, including Valley Forge National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Field and weather conditions will ultimately determine the exact dates and duration of the operation, as we only conduct prescribed fires under specific parameters to ensure public safety. Vehicle traffic in the area may experience delays due to smoke, but fire operations will be scheduled to minimize impacts. Some visitor facilities, trails, and public roads will be temporarily closed during the prescribed fire. However, the public will be invited to view the fire from designated areas.
Temporary Road Closures
To ensure the safety of all firefighters and park visitors, multiple roads will be closed to all traffic for the day(s) of the prescribed fires and possibly for multiple days after the fires. These will include:
· South Confederate Ave.
· Sykes Ave.
· Warren Ave.
· Crawford Ave.
· Wright Ave.
· Sedgwick Ave.
· Wheatfield Rd. will be closed to all vehicles from Ayres Ave. to Taneytown Rd.
· Additional roads and trails may need to close temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility to ensure firefighter and public safety
· See attached map for more details.
Temporary Hiking and Horse Trail Closures
· All hiking and horse trails to the east of Sykes and Sedgwick Avenues will be closed for visitor and animal safety.
· The horse trail that runs south of United States Ave. from the Trostle farm to the intersection of United States Ave. and Sedgwick Ave. will also be closed.
· See attached map for more details.
Viewing Area and Parking for News Media and Public
· For interviews, coverage, and public viewing of the Little Round Top prescribed fire, the designated area will be on Ayres Avenue. Please park along Ayers Avenue only.
· See attached map for more details.
Learn More
Learn more about our long-range fire management plan and view photo albums and videos of past prescribed fires on our Prescribed Fire web page at https://go.nps.gov/PrescribedFires.