SWFWMD aims to reduce risk of wildfires by performing prescribed fires
Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state’s wildfire emergency last year. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) will be conducting prescribed burns in November and December in the CHNEP study area.
- Charlotte County:
Prairie/Shell Creek is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 17, approximately 5 miles northeast of Punta Gorda. Prairie/Shell Creek lies between U.S. 17 and the Peace River. Approximately 225 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- DeSoto County: Deep Creek Preserve is located in southwest DeSoto County, east of Kings Highway. Approximately 465 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- Manatee County:
The Southfork Tract is located north of State Road 62, 3 miles east of Saffold Road.
Myakka River-Flatford Swamp Preserve is located west of Wachula-Myakka Road, 2 miles north of State Road 70.
Gilley Creek is located between State Road 62 and 64, east of County Road 675 and Coker Prairie is located south of State Road 64. Both the Gilley Creek and Cocker Prairie properties are southeast of Parrish.
Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
- Sarasota County Myakka River - Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and Myakka River - Schewe Tract are located west of North Port, east of the Myakka River, and north and south of Interstate 75. Approximately 800 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Some 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 District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. Click here to learn more about why igniting prescribed burns now prepares lands for the next wildfire season.
