PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is conducting a prescribed burn today at Starkey Wilderness Preserve in Pasco County.
The 175-acre burn is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, weather permitting, near the intersection of the bike path and power lines within the preserve.
Residents and visitors in the area may see smoke throughout the day. The SWFWMD assures the public that this is a controlled burn and poses no cause for alarm.
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Prescribed fires are a valuable tool for managing natural lands and reducing wildfire risk. These controlled burns help to:
- Reduce hazardous fuel buildup: By removing accumulated dead vegetation, prescribed fires decrease the likelihood of uncontrolled wildfires.
- Improve wildlife habitat: Burning promotes the growth of native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
- Enhance forest health: Fire helps to control invasive species and promotes the regeneration of fire-adapted plant communities.
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