Prescribed fires to reduce risk of wildfires near Dunnellon, FL
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, and for that reason, the Southwest Florida Water Management District ("water district") will be conducting prescribed burns now through March on the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve neaqr Marion County, Florida.
Halpata Tastanaki Preserve is located 2 miles east of Dunnellon, 7 miles northeast of the city of Hernando, and bounded by County Road 484 on the north, State Road 200 on the southeast, and the Withlacoochee River on the southwest. Approximately 700 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.
To see aerial footage from a 320-acres prescribed fire in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve by Water District land management staff, please click here: vimeo.com/425526377.
To access the website of the water district, please click here: www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/.