Second day of controlled burns at Lake Apopka North Shore

The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 70-acre prescribed burn at the Lake Apopka North Shore directly south of the district’s Lake Apopka Field Station, west of County Road 448A and north of the McDonald Canal boat ramp. The burn will temporarily close the yellow/red hiking trail, which starts at the North Shore trailhead. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuels for wildfire prevention and for ecological maintenance of fire-dependent natural communities.

Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire's effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases, and opening scenic vistas. Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels that naturally build up over time, while also helping to control the growth of woody shrubs.

Before conducting a burn, the district ensures wind and other weather conditions are correct for controlling the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke on residents and traffic.

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the district and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The district encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Maitland, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.

Connect with the SJRWMD on Twitter at @SJRWMD, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. For more information about the district, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.