Prescribed Fire
In nature, fire is essential to maintain the integrity of the native prairie and woodland plant species located in our parks. Fire is a natural occurrence that helps the plant and animal communities in a park and controlled burning offers a safer way to use fire in a helpful manner. The benefits of prescribed burns include:
- Aid in reducing the undesirable plants from invading our prairie and woodlands
- Help maintain a rich diversity of wildflowers and grasses
- Encourage oak and other native trees to naturally regenerate in our woodlands
- Decrease threat of a wildfire by decreasing the accumulation of combustibles
- Benefit water quality by aiding in the establishment of deep-rooted natives
- Improve the natural beauty and enjoyment of our parks
A professional prescribed fire service assists City staff that has been certified in accordance with a nationally-standardized testing program for professionals participating in wild-land burns. City staff members and the contracted prescribed fire service have studied fire behavior and fire control techniques to ensure the safety of the burn crew, residents and private property.
The following areas are maintained through a prescribed burn: trailside prairie south of Fairview Drive, Little Four Mile Creek roadside prairie plantings, Doanes Park prairie plantings & woodlands, Copper Creek Lake Park woodlands, and City Hall North Complex.