The Heartland I&M Network (HTLN) Fire Ecology program grew from recognition of the need for fire ecology support for several parks in the Midwest region without a dedicated fire ecologist. These parks include Effigy Mounds NM, George Washington Carver NM, Herbert Hoover NHS, Homestead NM of America, Pipestone NM, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and Wilson's Creek NB.