National Park Service to conduct prescribed fires

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio-The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires at 3 locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), when conditions allow, between November 7 and December 31. The goal of the planned fires is to improve natural habitat. Specifically, the prescribed fires will burn the invasive plant species, create good soil conditions for native seeds, and maintain habitats. The total area to be burned is approximately 182 acres.

The first prescribed fire is planned for approximately 40 acres at the site of the former Richfield Coliseum, along Rt. 303 near the I-271 interchange. The second prescribed burn is planned for an approximately 129-acre section of Terra Vista Natural Study Area in Valley View (northeast of the intersection of Canal and Tinkers Creek roads). The third site is a 13-acre area in Boston Township, within CVNP, off Boston Mills Road just south of Interstate 80.

Prescribed burns were conducted in 2017 and 2021 at the Terra Vista location, in 2021 at the Boston Township location, and in 2022 at the former Richfield Coliseum site. The use of periodic fires is part of an overall long-term ecosystem management plan.

The prescribed fire program at CVNP is conducted by trained and experienced National Park Service fire personnel. Smoke dispersal is a primary concern and park staff will do everything possible to limit smoke in the area by monitoring wind and atmospheric conditions prior to ignitions. However, smoke drifting in and around park lands and roadways is possible.

Before burning, a designated set of conditions must exist including ideal air temperature, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Burning may occur any time between November 7 and December 31 on a day when the right conditions exist, so it is not possible to schedule the exact date ahead of time. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the duration of the burn to ensure safety.

CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/cuva on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or call 440-717-3890.
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