Today, residents near Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve (BWC) and Balm-Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve (BBS) can expect to see and smell smoke as controlled burns are set to take place, according to Hillsborough County officials. The specifics of the burns, which aim at ecological restoration and site maintenance, were detailed in a press release published early this morning.
The prescribed burns are managed by the County's Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department and are expected to last for one day. The burn at BWC will result in the temporary closure of the RED trail creek overlook, while BBS will keep all public trails open except for bike trails, which were already closed due to unsafe conditions. Anyone looking for more information, or who happens to spot unattended or unusual fires, can directly reach out to the Florida Forest Service Lakeland Dispatch at (863) 940-6701.
Todd Pratt, a Media Relations Strategist, is the designated contact for any media inquiries related to today's events. His office number is (813) 276-2409, and his cell is (813) 373-1023, for those needing to get in touch. The public is also directed to reach out to the CELM Bell Creek Office at (813) 672-7876 for any general questions or concerns regarding the burns.
