Prescribed burn to take place at Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument plans to implement a prescribed burn between April 13 and May 31, when appropriate conditions exist. Approximately 170 acres of tallgrass prairie will be ignited by U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel if prescription parameters can be met.  

Additional information will be provided to park neighbors and the media when the appropriate conditions are forecasted and the specific date of the prescribed burn is determined. Brief, temporary closures of the entrance road and Circle Trail may be necessary for public safety during the burn.

Historically, the 18 million acres of native tallgrass prairie that once covered the central plains, including Minnesota, experienced repeated lightning-caused fires. These fires reduced buildup of organic plant material and suppressed the growth of woody tree and shrub species. This ensures native prairie growth by increasing nutrients and decreasing plant competition from exotic species.

The best way the public can support the health of the rare tallgrass prairie at Pipestone is to stay on the paved trail while visiting.