The Cumberland County Parks and Recreation staff, in conjunction with the Cumberland County and Crossville Fire Department, will conduct a prescribed burn of the grassland/savannah area of Obed River Park.

The park has one of the most amazing natural oak/pine grasslands. The state was once home to buffalo, elk, and deer. These grazers kept underbrush and rapidly growing shrubs picked down. Without the presence of these grazers, prescribed burning is the only way to preserve the natural area.

The prescribed burn is subject to acceptable soil moisture, favorable weather conditions, winds, and humidity.

The burn is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. this Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

Residents in the immediate area of the Obed River Park should make sure all windows and doors are closed during the burn.