Natchez Trace Parkway Announces Controlled Burning

TUPELO, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) –  Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway plans to conduct the Little Mountain prescribed fire at the Jeff Busby visitor use area on January 29 and January 30, 2016.

The Little Mountain prescribed fire will help reduce fuel loading around the campground and visitor use areas, and restore the open woodlands that were historically present.

The prescribed fire is located at Milepost 193 in Choctaw County.

The campground and the rest area adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway will remain open during the prescribed fire.

The road leading uphill to the overlook and the hiking trails will be closed during the prescribed fire.

During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the parkway as a precaution.  Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible.

Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line.

If visibility falls below 500 feet, the parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared.

Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.