Controlled Burn at Lake's Edge in Grosse Pointe Farms to Eliminate Invasive Species

As part of a plan to erradicate invasive species growing along the edge of Lake St. Clair near Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms, officials oversaw a controlled burn of vegetation Thursday afternoon.

The controlled burn was planned for 1 p.m. and was to last one to two hours. Grosse Pointe Farms officials sent an alert out to residents warning of the controlled burn and what they may see as a result, including heavy smoke and large flames.

Additionally, they warned traffic may have needed to be rerouted--something that was dependent on how the burn went.

The controlled burn is part of a long-term plan to rid the area of the tall vegetation that many believe is unsightly and detracting from the view of the lake. The plants, which are well taller than the break wall, are invasive to the area.

Last August, the city council approved the plan that aims to clear the area to allow native species to grown. The native species of plants are much more low-growing as compared to what has been in that area of Lake Shore Road for years.

The area had already been treated with an herbicide and will be treated with one again following the burn, according to the plan presented to council last August.

A company was contracted to perform Thursday's controlled burn and Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety officers armed with fire equipment were on site to oversee it and to be on-hand in case of any problems.