Prescribed Fires Planned Near Myakka River: SFWMD

Sarasota FL

15 October, 2021

11:35 AM

Description

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — To reduce the risk of wildfires, prescribed fires are planned for the Myakka River area in Sarasota County this fall, according to a news release from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These prescribed burns will take place near the Myakka River at the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and the Schewe Tract from October to December. Both areas are located west of North Port, east of the Myakka River, and north and south of Interstate 75. About 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable sections. 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, SFWMD said. 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. SFWMD conducts prescribed fires on about 30,000 acres each year.