Rock Creek Station State Historical Park to undergo prescribed burns

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Prescribed burns are scheduled for Rock Creek Station State Historical Park in Jefferson County.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says it will be burning tallgrass prairies and forested areas in the park in the coming weeks.

The commission expects the burns to improve the overall health of the land while promoting the growth of native grasses.

Dead and unwanted vegetation will also get burnt off, hopefully reducing the chances for future wildfires.

Dates for the burns have not been set. Game and Parks says that decision is dependent on weather conditions and staffing.

The commission says each burn should be completed within one day, and some roads and trails could be closed as a result.

Smoke will likely be visible from a distance, and it could last after a burn is completed.

Officials say staff will patrol burnt areas until each burn is declared extinguished.