Indiana DNR to Start Controlled Burn of Hoosier Prairie Today

The Department of Natural Resources will execute a controlled burn of Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve today, one of its routine fall procedures for Hoosier Prairie.

South of Main Street in Schererville, traffic restrictions will likely affect Kennedy Avenue, which may be closed or be under lane restrictions for short periods of time during the procedure. Smoke from the procedure may limit vision at times on Kennedy Avenue and on Main Street.

Hoosier Prairie is a large tract maintained by the DNR Division of Nature Preserves. It contains prairie, oak savanna and marsh habitats on both sides of Main Street in Griffith, Schererville and Highland.

The DNR conducts a controlled burn each spring and fall in order to preserve the area’s rare prairie/savanna habitat, which requires sunny, open conditions. Without the fires, trees and plants common to other areas eventually would crowd out and eliminate rare prairie and savanna plants.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."