Hoosier National Forest Prescribed Fire (Prescribed Fire)

Bedford, Indiana. October 22, 2021 — The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct seasonal prescribed burning to maintain, restore or improve early successional habitat, maintain wetlands, restore and maintain unique barren ecosystems, regenerate oak and hickory tree species and improve soil health by naturally returning nutrients to the soil.  Historical data shows that throughout history natural occurring fire played a vital and necessary role in sustaining the eastern deciduous forest ecosystem. Scientific research supports the use of prescribed burning to reintroduce low intensity fire to its natural role within the ecosystem. Prescribed burning also reduces fuel loading, thereby lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire.  Approximately 4,500 – 5,000 acres are planned to receive treatment with prescribed fire in the fall of 2021 on National Forest System lands in the following counties:  Brown, Crawford, Jackson, Martin, Monroe, Lawrence, and Perry. U.S. Forest Service fire…