In partnership with habitat conservation organization Quail Forever, the U of A is looking to perform a prescribed burn at the university’s Oak Knoll area south of the Cato Springs Research Center. 

The controlled burn will take place over an area of approximately 30 acres within the next couple weeks if weather conditions are favorable, and the burn will last from two to six hours, starting around midday. Sections of the Fayetteville Traverse nature trail and Razorback Greenway may be temporarily closed during the burn. 

The planned burn will help maintain and nourish the university’s oak savanna grassland and the Cato Springs remnant prairie, as the unique ecosystems and plant genetics at the site require fire to survive and thrive. Prescribed burning is the most efficient and effective way to manage healthy ecosystems such as tall grass prairies and oak savannas. 

Firebreaks, barriers intended to stop the progress of a fire, have been mowed and hand-cleared to establish a containment line for the burn. 

The Fayetteville Fire Department will be notified and on standby to assist if needed. Quail Forever and U of A crews will be on-site to ensure sparks and embers are fully extinguished at the burn's completion. 

Prairie grassland fires move rapidly and have less fuel than forest fires, so long-term smoldering is not expected. 

Approval for the burn to proceed is dependent on optimal weather conditions. An official notice will be announced as soon as a decision is made. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend the prescribed burn at the Cato Springs Research Center parking lot. 

Faculty members interested in conducting research at the Oak Knoll or having their students observe the fire management process may contact Eric Boles, director of the Office for Sustainability, at eboles@uark.edu.