LEHIGH — Prescribed burning will take place at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area beginning this month and continuing through May, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Smoke from these controlled burns will be highly visible and may be dispersed over nearby homes.

The department reported that fire is a vital land management tool that is used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore native plant communities and reduce future potential for wildfires.

Anyone who has questions or who wants to be contacted on or before the days that controlled burns will take place should call the Department of Natural Resources Prairie Resource Unit at (515) 543-8319.