City To Conduct Prescribed Burns This Spring In Shakopee

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

April 5, 2021

Weather permitting, the City of Shakopee will be conducting prescribed burns on native planting areas the week of April 12-16. If necessary, the week of April 19-23 is planned as a backup date to complete the prescribed burns.

The prescribed burns are located at:

• Jennifer Lane Pond
• Cloverleaf Park
• Westminster Park
• 17th Avenue Sports Complex
• Southbridge Community Park - Dog Park
• Savana Oaks Park
• Whispering Oaks Park
• Alysheba Pond
• Independence Drive Slope
• Northwest of intersection of Eagle Creek Boulevard and County Highway 21
• Emerson Pond

A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, controlled fire used by land managers to replicate natural fire events. All prescribed burns are designed to meet ecological objectives and entirely dependent upon weather conditions such as relative humidity, temperature, wind speed and wind direction.

Depending on the size of the native planting area, the burn could last one to three hours. Residents can expect smoke; however, the burns are planned to take place during weather conditions which will affect the fewest number of residents. After burning, the ground will appear charred, but the spring will bring plant regrowth with a variety of new species and green up over the upcoming growing season.

Some benefits of a prescribed burn:

• Rejuvenates and enhances native plant communities
• Kills invasive species
• Improves wildlife habitat
• Removes dead biomass
• Reduces risk of unplanned fire
• Increases available nutrients in soil

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.