Wildfire risk reduced for neighbors and park lands at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

In February and March 2024, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (NRA) completed two successful prescribed fires. Prescribed fires help reduce vegetation to protect private property and park infrastructure. Chickasaw NRA lies within the Southern Plains Fire Zone, which is based out of Lake Meredith NRA.

This project also strengthened relationships with area fire management staff by working together. Park fire management staff partnered with Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Alpine Interagency Hotshots, and the local Sulphur Fire Department. During the first of two operations, crews treated about 15 acres on the Arbuckle Dam. This treatment keeps the dam’s face clear of damaging overgrown vegetation.

Days later, fire managers proceeded with treating 521 acres at The Point in Chickasaw NRA. Campgrounds are potential sources of human-caused fires. During the operation, fire managers focused on the Point Campground. The vegetation removed through the prescribed fire reduces wildfire risk. The low intensity fire reduces grass and eastern red cedar saplings. This helps protect the park facilities and adjacent private property.

Park fire staff and partners treated 536 acres in 2024. Park fire staff plan to burn an additional 400 acres of this burn unit in coming years. “We look forward to continuing this work on park lands to reduce the threat of wildfire in the park and for park neighbors,” said Dan Pearson, fire management officer. “Our partners helped us take a big step forward this year and for that, we thank them.”