BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires at three locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Nov. 6-15.
The goal, according to a news release, is to improve natural habitat by burning invasive plant species and creating good soil conditions for native seeds, as well as maintaining grassland bird habitats.
"The first prescribed fire is planned for approximately 40 acres at the site of the former Richfield Coliseum, along Rt. 303 near the I-271 interchange. The second prescribed burn is planned for an approximately 129-acre section of Terra Vista Natural Study Area in Valley View (northeast of the intersection of Canal Road and Tinkers Creek Road). The third site is a 13-acre area in Boston Township, within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, off Boston Mills Road just south of Interstate 80," the release said.
According to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this is the second planned fire for the former Richfield Coliseum site. The other occurred in October 2022. There were other prescribed burns in 2012, 2017 and 2021 at other park spots.
"The prescribed fire program at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conducted by trained and experienced National Park Service fire personnel. Smoke dispersal is a primary concern and park staff will do everything possible to limit smoke in the area by monitoring wind and atmospheric conditions prior to ignition. However, smoke drifting in and around park lands and roadways is possible," Cuyahoga Valley National Park said in the release.
A designated set of conditions must exist before any burning, including ideal air temperature, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Burning may occur any time Nov. 6-15, when the right conditions exist. Weather conditions will also be monitored throughout the duration of the planned fire for safety.
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