Glacier Park plans prescribed burn in North Fork

Glacier National Park officials have plans for a prescribed fire project in the North Fork about four miles northwest of Polebridge.

Plans call for burning about 125 acres in the Big Prairie area by the end of September, depending on weather and fuel conditions.

The primary objective is to reduce lodgepole pine regeneration, which is encroaching on the native prairie grassland. Park officials hope to remove some lodgepole with fire and improve the growth of native grasses and shrubs.

The project was initiated this spring with when about 150 acres were successfully managed through a prescribed burn. The entire project includes about 700 acres of prairie that will be managed with prescribed fire over the next several years.

Firefighter and equipment support from the Flathead National Forest was instrumental in the success of the spring burn. It is anticipated that Forest Service personnel also will assist with the fall burn.

Park officials say the prescribed burn will only take place if optimum weather and smoke dispersal parameters are met.

For more information, call 406-888-7800.