PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 6, 2023 ‒ The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 227-acre prescribed burn today at its Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County. The burn location will be on the east side of the property near Bayard Road. During this time, a portion of the white trail will be closed. The burn’s purpose is to reduce hazardous fuel loads and maintenance of fire-dependent natural communities.
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 to 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 as 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.
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Prescribed Fire Today at Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County
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