Voyageurs National Park plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The burn site will be Sheep and Ram Islands in Lake Kabetogama. Research plots have been established on both islands to study what effects fire has on the vegetation. The information collected from these plots will help park managers make better decisions regarding the use of fire as a tool to restore vegetative communities within Voyageurs National Park.
Fire is a natural part of the ecosystems of northern Minnesota. Many tree species, such as red and white pine, jack pine, aspen and birch, require periodic fire to regenerate. Fire also increases forage and browse for many wildlife species.
During prescribed fire operations park management asks that recreational boaters avoid these sites if at all possible. The park's fire management staff would like to thank park visitors for their continued support of this important management tool. For more information about prescribed fires go to www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_und_prescribedfire.cfm
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
