Prescribed fire at Buck Lake Conservation Area in Brevard County

The District is conducting an 80-acre prescribed fire at the Buck Lake Conservation Area in Brevard County, located within the Indian River Lagoon and Upper St. Johns River Basin. The burn area is in the northeastern portion of the property. The objective of this prescribed fire is to support the ecological maintenance of fire-dependent natural communities, improve habitat for the Florida Scrub-Jay’s within the conservation area and to reduce hazardous fuel loads mitigating future wildfire risk.

Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to manage the fire’s effects. Before conducting a burn, the District ensures that wind and other weather conditions are correct for managing the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke on residents and traffic.

Periodic prescribed fires on District lands enhance the land’s environmental quality and protect its neighbors from destructive wildfires, but not without the possibility of temporary nuisances, such as smoke and ash.

Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels that naturally build up over time, while also helping to manage the growth of woody shrubs.

In fire-dependent ecosystems, fire is nearly as important as rainfall and sunshine. The benefits of prescribed fire include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, managing tree diseases and opening scenic vistas.

Follow the District on social media to know when prescribed burns are taking place in your area. To learn more about the District’s prescribed burn program, visit the District online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire or follow the conversation at #LoveYourLands #RxBurn #goodfire #sjrwmd.