South Dakota Wildland Fire is planning a prescribed burn in coordination with Custer State Park on Monday April 15, 2024, near the east boundary of the park. The prescribed burn area is bounded by Wildlife Loop Road to the west and LH Road to the north. Mop-up and monitoring will continue in the following days. If weather conditions are not favorable for any reason, the prescribed burn will be rescheduled.
Firefighters are planning to burn a grassy area of approximately 200 acres. Objectives of the burn are to reduce invasive cool season grasses and increase native warm season grasses. Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.
Prescribed fire is used to maintain healthy native vegetation and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species. Fire also reduces hazardous debris and dead vegetation buildup, which can fuel wildfires.
Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas on Monday. Fire crews will secure, patrol, and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety.
Custer State Park will be open as usual, but visitors should expect delays near the prescribed burn area. For more information about park accessibility please contact the park at 605.394.2693