News Release

Ozark Riverways plans to conduct prescribed fires 

During prescribed burns, fire crews work to protect structures like the historic Alley Mill.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: February 28, 2025

Contact: Dena Matteson, [phone]

Van Buren, MO - Preparations are being made at Ozark National Scenic Riverways to accomplish several prescribed fires during March.

The 1,162-acre Vance/Barnett prescribed fire, approximately three miles west of Powder Mill, will be conducted in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The 1,836-acre Jerktail Mountain prescribed fire, located across the river from Jerktail Landing, is a partnership effort with the L-A-D Foundation and Pioneer Forest. The 46-acre Big Spring Cabins prescribed fire, to be conducted in the Civilian Conservation Corps Historic District near Big Spring, will remove brush and downed timber near the historic cabins to protect them from wildfires.

These prescribed fires will be carefully planned and monitored by the park’s wildland fire management staff, with scheduling dependent on weather and vegetation meeting certain conditions. During prescribed fires, park operations will continue as usual, although temporary closure of trails or roads adjacent to the burn units may be necessary for visitor safety. 

To ensure the safety of firefighters and the public, foot and vehicle travel in or near the prescribed fire operations may be temporarily restricted. Firefighters try to target weather conditions that will allow for smoke to disperse without causing negative impacts. However, smoke may impair visibility in the vicinity of the prescribed fire and could linger low in the atmosphere over a broad geographic area. Individuals with respiratory ailments are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. Anyone who is concerned about the potential impacts of smoke from a prescribed burn can request to be added to the park’s notification list in order to be contacted in advance.

Prescribed burning has a variety of purposes, including the reduction of fuel accumulations near developed areas, which helps reduce the threat of unplanned wildland fires in and around Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Prescribed fire benefits native plants and wildlife by maintaining or improving the habitat they depend on. Native habitats such as glades, savannas, and woodlands can suffer from woody overgrowth in the absence of fire.

For more information about prescribed fires at Ozark Riverways or to be included on the park’s notification list, contact Josh Chilton at [phone] or e-mail us. To receive additional information about other prescribed burns in the local area, please contact Missouri Department of Conservation at [phone] or the U.S. Forest Service at [phone],visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar or our Facebook page for further updates. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar.  Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.