To help reduce the risk of wildfires — set by lightning or other sources — the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts “prescribed burns” in specific areas, according to a news release from the district.
Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:
- Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts ‘controlled burns,’ which are intentionally set fires aimed at providing active forest management by reducing the risk of wildfires and promoting the growth of new, diverse plants and creating other benefits. (Courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District) - Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
- Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
- Maintaining access for public recreation
The water management district has scheduled these “prescribed burns” at these Pasco County properties, between June and September:
- Starkey Wilderness Preserve: This preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- Cypress Creek Preserve: Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- Upper Hillsborough Preserve: Upper Hillsborough Preserve is located south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- Conner Preserve: Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
The water management district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year, the release says.
Published on June 28, 2023.
