Single Incident Information

The Hayfields Restoration Prescribed Fire Project is a key component of a multi-stage effort to restore abandoned pastureland in Grand Teton National Park to native vegetation. Requested by the Science and Resource Management (SRM) Division, this project utilizes prescribed fire in combination with herbicide applications and other treatments to transition non-native grasses back to native rangeland species across approximately 4,000 acres. The reduction of invasive vegetation also provides protection to historic structures in case of a future wildfire. 

The joint National Park Service/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bison and Elk Management Plan (2007) called for the restoration of 4,000 acres of native rangeland within Grand Teton NP. These areas, historically used as irrigated hayfields since the early 1900s, have remained fallow since the 1970s and are currently dominated by non-native grasses and weeds. These species prevent natural succession and re-establishment of native plant communities. 

The 4000-acre prescribed fire project area is subdivided into 18 units, one of which is the 218-acre South Slough Unit. The unit is located east of Blacktail Butte and west of Mormon Row, between the Gros Ventre and Antelope Flats roads. Firefighters plan to burn approximately 105 acres of the 218-acre unit beginning in May 2025.

Firefighters will only begin ignitions if weather and fuel conditions remain within predetermined parameters, known as a prescription. The operation may be delayed if conditions are not favorable for the fire to achieve the desired effects on the vegetation in the fire area.