Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/301152
The Land Management Section of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) will be conducting pre- scribed burns during the months of April, May and June on both the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and the neighboring Schewe Tract, the district has announced. Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, which is jointly owned and managed by SWFWMD and Sarasota County, is located between Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 41, a news release notes. The Schewe Tract, which is located north and south of I-75 just north of Deer Prairie Creek, is fully owned and managed by the dis- trict. Both of these parcels are located west of North Port. Approximately 950 acres will be burned, in small manageable units, the release notes. According to Will VanGelder, SWFWMD's land management supervisor, burns are imple- mented to mimic natural fire cycles under a controlled situation, the release explains. "The objective is to avert uncontrolled wildfires and enhance the area's natural conditions by maintaining the ecological and wildlife habi- tat values," the release says. Prescribed burns are conducted only "when weather conditions are optimal to meet the desired objectives and to minimize impacts to the public," the release notes. "Although every effort will be made to assure that smoke does not affect homes or highways, vehicle operators should exercise caution if smoke reduces visibility on the area's roads or highways," the release points out. DISTRICT SCHEDULES SPRING PRESCRIBED FIRES FOR SARASOTA COUNTY A section of a brochure shows Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. Image from Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 71