Water-Related News

SWFWMD scheduling prescribed fires Oct.-Dec. in CHNEP study area

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 in 2017.

That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns October through December in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

  • Charlotte County: Prairie Shell Creek is located at 3081 Duncan Road (U.S. Highway 17) north of Punta Gorda, east of U.S. Highway 17. Approximately 200 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • DeSoto County: Deep Creek Preserve is located at 10797 Peace River Street in Arcadia, east of State Road 769. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Manatee County: Gilley Creek is located between State Road 62 and 64, east of County Road 675. Approximately 300 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 400 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 see aerial footage from a prescribed fire in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve where District land management staff burned 320 acres.