MEDIA ADVISORY: Dec. 26, 2012

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED FOR PORTION OF CROSS FLORIDA GREENWAY

~Visitors likely to see prescribed burn this week~

OCALA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Cross Florida Greenway will conduct a prescribed burn from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, weather permitting. 

The prescribed burn will consist of approximately 156 acres, and the approximate location of burn is 3 miles southeast of the intersection of State Road 200 and Highway 484. Prescribed fires are only conducted when weather parameters are suitable. The final decision to burn is made daily, after reviewing the Predicted Fire Weather forecast for that particular day and after obtaining a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

Prescribed burning mimics natural fire cycles to restore healthy forests and natural communities, reduce undergrowth that accumulates over time and decreases the potential for wildfire. Burned lands experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

For more information on Florida’s award-winning state parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about prescribed burning, visit www.goodfires.org.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information on visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/63efe5