Prescribed Burns Scheduled At McAlpine L&D

The Louisville Engineer District announced April 11 that Corps natural resources managers and other personnel will be conducting prescribed burns at McAlpine Locks and Dam for the remainder of April. During burning operations, smoke may be visible and work areas may be temporarily restricted to the visiting public for safety reasons.

Prescribed burning activities at McAlpine Locks and Dam are part of the process for converting non-native cool season vegetation to native, warm season meadow species, the district said in the announcement. Planned burning this year is to prepare planting beds for seeding and to set back cool season plants in order to encourage the sprouting and growing of native species. Native plants enhance habitat for pollinators, such as Monarch butterflies and honey bees, as well as for songbirds and other wildlife species.

Burning will occur when conditions are present to achieve the objectives for the sites. Project personnel are working with the Louisville Air Pollution Control District to ensure permits are in place, as well as with the Louisville Fire Department.