The Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department is igniting prescribed burns today at two separate locations, aimed at ecological restoration and site maintenance. For residents in and around Lithia and Plant City, smoke might be a temporary fixture as the department manages the health of its natural preserves.
As detailed in Hillsborough County's official announcement, the burns will be held at the Balm-Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve and the Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. The intention behind the burns is to manage ecological health by clearing underbrush and promoting growth of native species. The process is also a preventive measure against the uncontrolled wildfires which can become a serious threat in overgrown areas.
The one-day project might disrupt activities for nature enthusiasts, particularly at the Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, where the WHITE trail may be temporarily closed during the burn. Todd Pratt, Media Relations Strategist for the department, urges visitors to stay clear of these areas for safety. Visitors to the preserves should adhere to posted signage and keep a safe distance from any ongoing burn operations.
For those seeking more details or wishing to report concerns about the prescribed burns, the CELM Bell Creek office can be reached at (813) 672-7876. Pratt, whom also noted the close coordination with the Florida Forest Service Lakeland Dispatch, can be contacted directly for media inquiries at (813) 276-2409 or on his cell at (813) 373-1023.
