On November 12, for the first time in 13 years, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site conducted a prescribed fire in the Tallgrass Prairie. A prescribed fire or controlled burn has a purpose that varies according to area. In the Tallgrass Prairie, it is used to clear out old growth and foster new. It is also a method used to help remove invasive species. Elsewhere, they are used to manage the accumulation of old growth to prevent destructive fires, bring back woodlands, and even aid endangered species.

Lead Ranger Seth Goodspeed, Program Manager for Natural Resources, and Sydney Foster, Biological Science Technician, both of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, were part last week’s efforts and worked with the media and public leading to the burn date, as well as in the field during the burn. They were joined by National Park Service fire crews from Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Indiana Dunes National Park. The efforts were overseen by the Missouri and Iowa Fire Zone of the National Park Service. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways put together the burn plan and oversaw everyone there to burn.

Lead Ranger Seth Goodspeed, Program Manager for Law Enforcement and Natural Resources, and Sydney Foster, Biological Science Technician, after the burn

Timing is very important in prescribed fires. The Historic Site had a 12-day window set to allow the proper analysis of wind, temperature, and humidity to establish a favorable day that would be optimal to success. Wet periods, of course, would not allow for a good burn, while dry, windy days would make the fire more difficult to control.

To ensure public safety and allow room for National Park Service fire apparatus and trucks that would be present, access to the loop road was limited for vehicles and restricted to pedestrians, though observers were allowed to be near the road for observation purposes. This keeps bystanders safe from the fire and smoke. This restriction was also applied to non-certified park personnel.

The Tallgrass Prairie is divided into five sections called Prairie Management Units (PMUs), and these are broken into three to four zones. In the latest burn, two PMUs (PMU 1 and PMU 2) were burned, which totaled 35 acres. Drip torches were used to ignite the fires. This is one of the most common tools used for fire ignition for controlled burns. It uses a mixture of diesel fuel and gasoline, and the ratio varies according to conditions.

Map of Tallgrass Prairie at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site divided into Prairie Management Units (PMUs) (image courtesy of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site)

Lead Ranger Seth Goodspeed said, “It was 100% successful based on our thoughts and fire crew’s thoughts. We’re excited to see what next year’s going to bring.”

Though it has been 13 years since the last burn, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site would like to make this an annual tradition moving forward, burning a portion of the Tallgrass Prairie every year to help ensure the health of the native vegetation. The goal will be to have an annual burn in the fall to help facilitate the growth of forbs and flowers. Spring burns facilitate the growth of grass. If it is done too late in the spring, it can also become a hazard to nesting birds, small wildlife, and orchids.

A plume of smoke rises from the Tallgrass Prairie during the prescribed fire (photo courtesy of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site)

To plan for these burns, Seth will work with the Fire Management Officer (FMO) from Ozark National Scenic Riverways in the spring to compare what each other’s thoughts are. If the Historic Site should pursue a burn next fall, that planning will not start until 2025. If PMUs are not burned, they will be mowed. Everything will be kept on a three-year rotation.

It is all part of the continuing work to keep the Tallgrass Prairie healthy for both visitors and the native plants and wildlife. Guests wishing to visit the prairie can find it south of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. It contains over two miles of trails that delight visitors when flowers are in bloom and is a perfect place for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9:00-5:00.

Click here to register for blog post email alerts.