Burn plans will be prepared to provide guidance on burning conditions and restrictions, and the type of fire crew and management needed to conduct the burns, and to address the unique management characteristics of each site. As part of the prescribed burning preparation, some of the sites will require firebreaks or control lines to be mowed or thinned. Whenever possible, existing roads and abandoned railroad beds will be used as control lines. Site 10 contains pure stands of prairie grasses that have been planted for seed production. The prescribed burns are expected to occur in the spring and fall of 2000.
Prescribed fire is a scientifically recognized tool for prairie and grassland management.
Prescribed burning will enhance grassland bird habitat, improve the quality of native vegetation in the remnant sites, help restore former agricultural tracts to prairie conditions, and enhance the prairie seed production area. Due to conditions associated with former Army operations within the boundaries of Midewin, the Forest Service will review the burn areas to assure that health and safety standards are acceptable. The Forest Service is in the process of confirming that environmental conditions on Midewin meet these standards. Forest Service contractors have completed field sampling and are now developing recommendations and prudent precautions for USDA review and concurrence. Midewin lies in a non-attainment airshed.