Burn at Badlands National Park done to help native grass

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RAPID CITY (AP) — Badlands National Park officials say 560 acres of land have been burned intentionally to control unwanted grass and stimulate the growth of native grasses.

Park spokesman Brian Kenner tells the media that Tuesday's prescribed burn south of Wall is intended to stem the growth of exotic Kentucky bluegrass growing in the grasslands. The bluegrass starts growing earlier than the native grasses.

Kenner says burning last season's dead grasses also puts nutrients back into the soil, which will rejuvenate native grasses.

Kenner says burning conditions were perfect Tuesday, with only an 8 mph wind.

About 20 firefighters from were on scene to monitor the burn.

Tags: prescribed burn, news, updates, state, fire, badlands, wall