Four prescribed fires are set to take place this fall at Indiana Dunes National Park, covering a total of 278 acres throughout the area. An annual (as conditions allow) burning of 77 acres around Dunewood Campground to clear fallen leaves and branches is included in addition to other common burn sights.
“Clear management goals and objectives have been established for each burn unit. Before burning, a designated set of conditions must exist including ideal wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the duration of the burn to ensure it is completed safely. Fire is used as a tool for the park’s long-term habitat restoration and hazard fuel reduction efforts.“
150 acres adjacent to Beverly Shores in the Derby Ditch area will be burned to support wetland restoration through the removal of overgrown vegetation. This takes place in an area last burned in 2021, bordered by East State Park Road, East Beverly Drive, the Calumet Trail and Broadway.
35 acres of property in Cowles Bog near Dune Acres will also burn to support wetland restoration as well. Finally, around the Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 16 acres will be burned immediately around the building to reduce wildland fire threats to the facility.
A map of current and prescribed burns is available through the prescribed fires map.