Revisiting the American Elk prescribed fire

Today I revisited the American Elk prescribed fire in Wind Cave National Park (map). It was a little foggy and trying to snow when I was there today, which of course was much different from the actual prescribed fire conditions when I was there almost five months ago on October 20 and October 21, 2010.

Looking at the burn site via a quick drive-through on Highway 87, (the entire prescribed fire was 3,400 acres) it appears that the firefighters accomplished some of their likely objectives, at least along the highway. On a project like that, they typically want to reduce the pine reproduction, especially where it is invading the prairie, and also to achieve some mortality in the Ponderosa pine stands, thinning it and reducing the number of trees per acre.

We had a “freezing fog” condition overnight, which provided some interesting ice formations on the Ponderosa pines in the park.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire. View all posts by Bill Gabbert