(This article is a press release from Ozark National Scenic Riverways.)
Van Buren, MO. – Preparations are being made at Ozark National Scenic Riverways to accomplish several prescribed fires between mid-December and the end of March 2026.
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 (MDC). The 4,426-acre Stegall Mountain Complex prescribed fire, located between Rocky Falls and Peck Ranch, will be conducted jointly with MDC and The Nature Conservancy. The 672-acre Macy Reed prescribed fire, located south of Powder Mill, will be conducted jointly with MDC. The 1,231-acre Mill Buzzard prescribed fire, located between Rocky Falls and Klepzig Mill, will be conducted jointly with MDC. The 198-acre Pistol Barrell prescribed fire, located northeast of Alley Spring, will be conducted jointly with MDC. The 1,012-acre Devils Well prescribed fire, located in northern Shannon County near Devils Well, will be conducted jointly with the L-A-D Foundation and Pioneer Forest.
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 fire can request to be added to the park’s notification list 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 (573) 226-3945 or Josh_Chilton@nps.gov. To receive additional information about other prescribed burns in the local area, please contact Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 226-3616 or the U.S. Forest Service at (573) 364-4621,visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar or Facebook page for further updates.
