Controlled burns scheduled

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 10, 2009

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting "controlled, prescribed burns" during November and December on the Jack Creek property in Highlands County.

The Jack Creek property is located in the Leisure Lakes area, approximately one mile west of U.S. 27, three miles south of S.R. 66 and six miles northwest of Lake Placid.

Approximately 100 acres of land will be burned in small, manageable units. The scheduled, managed burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by the district.

According to District Land Manager Kevin W. Love, burns are conducted to mimic natural fire cycles under a controlled situation. The object is to avoid 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 allow the objectives to be met while minimizing impacts to the public.

Every effort will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect homes or highways.

However, vehicle operators should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area's roads or highways.

For more information, please call the district at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476, Ext. 4465.