Transformative land management at NPS’ Arkansas Park Zone

NPS uses prescribed fire as a tool to reduce wildland fuel around park infrastructure at Arkansas Post National Memorial.

NPS

In 2024, the Arkansas Park Fire Management Zone, made up of Pea Ridge National Military Park, Buffalo National River, Hot Springs National Park, Fort Smith National Historic Site, and Arkansas Post National Memorial, achieved significant milestones through initiatives funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). With $608,722 in BIL funding, the Arkansas Park Zone treated over 1,400 acres of high-risk land, focusing on protecting essential resources such as National Park Service (NPS) infrastructure, critical wildlife habitats, private lands, power transmission lines, and transportation corridors. This comprehensive approach was vital for enhancing ecosystem resilience and reducing wildfire risks.

The park staff employed various land management strategies, prominently featuring prescribed fire to improve ecosystem health. Additionally, a mechanical thinning treatment was successfully carried out over 121 acres, further bolstering the landscape’s resilience. To inform future management plans, the team conducted five Pedestrian Level cultural resource surveys covering 3,283 acres. These surveys play a crucial role in planning future prescribed fire and fuels treatments, ensuring the preservation of cultural resources while managing the land effectively. The Arkansas Park Zone staff also demonstrated their commitment to fire management by responding to twelve wildfires that affected 1,430 acres within the park. Impressively, several of these wildfires were positively influenced by previous fuels treatments, underscoring the effectiveness of proactive management strategies.

The accomplishments of the Arkansas Park Zone in Fiscal Year 2024 highlight the transformative impact of targeted funding and innovative land management practices. By prioritizing ecological health and community safety, the park not only protects its natural and cultural resources but also sets a benchmark for future conservation efforts nationwide.

The collaborative efforts of the staff, supported by BIL, have laid the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable landscape for generations to come. Through these initiatives, the Arkansas Park Zone exemplifies how strategic resource management can lead to successful environmental stewardship, benefiting both the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.