Shenandoah National Park fire managers plan to burn approximately 90 acres of Big Meadows sometime between March 25 and mid-April, weather permitting.
A portion of Big Meadows (mile 51 on Skyline Drive), the open area across from Byrd Visitor Center, is burned each year for the purpose of maintaining the open vista by preventing encroachment by trees and shrubs. We anticipate one day of operations to complete the project.
Prescribed burns are ignited by fire managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, including weather, fuel moisture and resource availability, in order to accomplish specific resource management objectives. All prescribed burns will be conducted as interagency projects, with local support, under the guidance and direction of trained and experienced National Park Service personnel.
Smoke from the burn may be visible in and around the Big Meadows area. Visitors driving in areas of smoke should take additional care by slowing down and ensuring their headlights are on. All park facilities will remain open during the prescribed burn.
Access to Big Meadows will be restricted during the burn.
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