LEHIGH — Prescribed burning will be conducted in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area beginning this month and will continue through May, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The department reported that 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 from these controlled burns is expected to be highly visible and may blow over some nearby homes.

People are asked to stay away from the locations of the controlled burns while they are underway.

Anyone who wishes to be notified on or before the days of the controlled burns should call the Department of Natural Resources Prairie Resource Unit at 515-543-8319.