The Southwest Florida Water Management District is planning to conduct prescribed fires from January through March at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
The preserve includes the Green Swamp East Tract in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties; the Hampton Tract in Polk County; and the Green District aims to reduce risk of wildlifes by scheduling prescribed fires in the Green Swamp Tract in Pasco County.
The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along Highway 471 and Rockridge Road, between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 15,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Major benefits of prescribed fire include:
- Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
- Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
- Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
- Maintaining access for public recreation
The Water Management District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.
Published January 17, 2024
