In a message dated 4/2/02 2:51:53 PM US Eastern Standard Time, Heather.Wallace@med.va.gov writes: > Mr. Briles: > > Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself...My name is Heather Wallace > and I am a sociology graduate student with a minor in Anthropology. I hope > to soon begin work towards a PhD in Human Geography. I recently became > aware of and very interesting the INPCRP. I subscribed, and have been > watching the dialogue concerning the burning of the St. Johns Lutheran > (barrens) Cemetery. A professor of mine has done a considerable amount of > research on the Smith cemetery in Fountain County. He is interested in it > primarily because it is one of the only pioneer cemeteries that is located > in what was once the "prairie wedge" that extended into Indiana. Every > year > it is burned (under the supervision of the Indiana Division of Nature > Preserves) for the soul purpose of maintaining native vegetation and > wildflowers. These grasses, flora, etc., can only reproduce after the > burning, as mowing alone actually serves as a detriment. Dr. Beck has > taken > great pains to monitor the conditions of the tombstones. Over the 15 years > he has been involved, no damage has occurred as a direct result of the > burnings. I contacted him concerning your cemetery and he would be happy to > provide you with any studies/information that he has. > > I hope this is helpful to you, and I am eager to become involved myself. > From what I have seen, I am impressed and encouraged by your group. You do > great work! > > Sincerely, > > Heather Wallace > > > Heather M. Wallace > Research Health Science Specialist > Roudebush VA Medical Center > Phone: 317/554-0000, ext. 4937 >