LEHIGH – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that prescribed burning will be taking place at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area from mid-March through May.

Detailed plans are created for each burn area and safety is always the No. 1 consideration in the timing and design of each burn. Prescribed burns typically begin in mid to late morning and are completed by late afternoon or early evening. Burns will be conducted on a day that meets the objectives and weather conditions defined in the burn plan.

Fire is a vital land management tool that is used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore and maintain native plant communities and reduce wildfire potential. Smoke produced from these controlled burns will be highly visible and some smoke may be dispersed over long distances.

For safety purposes the DNR asks that people avoid unnecessary vehicle traffic next to the burn units.

If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to be contacted on or before burn day, please contact the DNR Prairie Resource Unit at 515-543-8319.