Prescribed burns benefit nature

Prescribed Fire Awareness Week January 22nd-28th

From the St. John's River Water Management District

The St. Johns River Water Management District is again joining other agencies, local governments, and private landowners across the state in the annual recognition of Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, scheduled this year for January 22-28.

“Conducting prescribed fires is an ongoing practice we routinely use for fire-dependent species and to help maintain the health and variety of plant and animal life on public lands,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Prescribed fires also help to reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires. The district strives to be good stewards of our public lands and good neighbors to adjacent private landowners.”

Since 1993, district staff has completed 1,395 burns on 561,238 acres. The staff takes great care to plan and safely conduct prescribed fires — fires that imitate nature but with less risk of property loss and more savings to taxpayers.

Prescribed fire’s 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.

Safety is a top priority in conducting prescribed fires. District land managers spend many hours training and double-checking wind and weather conditions to prepare for this task.

In addition, the district collaborates year-round with many partners, including other agencies and local government staffs. These strong partnerships benefit from shared expertise and staffing, not only for conducting prescribed fires but also in fighting wildfires, enhancing training opportunities and more.

Information about the district’s prescribed burn program may be found here.

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.