WHO: Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) land management staff.
WHAT: District land management staff will set prescribed fires in a controlled setting, which can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state's wildfire emergency last spring.
WHERE: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park at Starkey Wilderness Preserve, located at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd. in New Port Richey. Media should meet at the main entrance to be escorted back to the fire line.
WHEN: Friday, March 2 at 10 a.m. (Weather permitting– we will confirm with media prior to the event.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 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 35,000 acres each year.
