Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns now through September on Starkey Wilderness Preserve, Conner Preserve, Upper Hillsborough Preserve and Cypress Creek Preserve.
Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 650 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Upper Hillsborough Preserve is located east of Zephyrhills, south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, one mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 300 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 recently began emailing and/or texting prescribed burn alerts directly to members of the public who sign up through the District’s website. The prescribed burn alerts explain where and when the burns will take place and how many acres will be burned. You can sign up to receive email and/or text alerts about scheduled prescribed burns in your region and learn more about the process of a prescribed burn by visiting WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurns.
The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 35,000 acres each year.