Prescribed burns planned for Prairie/Shell Creek and Deep Creek preserves

The Land Management Section of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns during the months of November and December on:

• The Prairie/Shell Creek Preserve in Charlotte County.
  The property is located to the west of US Highway 17, north of Shell Creek. Approximately 140 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
• The Deep Creek Preserve in Desoto County.
  The preserve is located northeast of Port Charlotte, west of King’s Highway and north of Deep Creek Estates. Approximately 125 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

According to Will VanGelder, the District’s land management supervisor, burns are implemented to mimic natural fire cycles under a controlled situation. The objective is to avert uncontrolled wildfires and enhance the area’s natural conditions by maintaining the ecological and wildlife habitat values. Prescribed burns are only conducted when weather conditions are optimal to meet the desired objectives and to minimize impacts to the public.

Although every effort will be made to assure that smoke does not affect homes or highways, vehicle operators should exercise caution if smoke reduces visibility on the area’s roads or highways.