Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state’s wildfire emergency last spring. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns throughout Florida’s Nature Coast this spring and summer.

Hernando County Prescribed Burns

From March through September 2018 prescribed burns will be conducted at Annuteliga Hammock and Weekiwachee Preserve in Hernando County.

Annuteliga Hammock is located east of U.S. Highway 19, north of Centralia Road and south of the county line. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Weekiwachee Preserve is located west of U.S. Highway 19 between Spring Hill and Hernando Beach. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. Some trails may be temporarily closed during prescribed burn events.

Citrus County Prescribed Burns

Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns March through September 2018 on Potts Preserve and the Two Mile Prairie Connector parcel in Citrus County.

Potts Preserve is located approximately two miles east of the City of Hernando and three and a half miles north-northeast of Inverness. The property is east and southeast of State Road 200 and north of Turner Camp Road and is bordered by the Withlacoochee River on the east. Approximately 600 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

The Two Mile Prairie Connector property is located approximately five miles north-northeast of the City of Hernando and seven miles southeast of Dunnellon. This parcel is located on State Road 200 approximately 350 yards southwest of the Lecanto Highway intersection. Approximately 200 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Pasco County Prescribed Burns

Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns March through September 2018 at Weekiwachee Preserve in Pasco County.

Weekiwachee Preserve is located north of Hudson, west of U.S. Highway 19 and includes the Aripeka Sandhills Preserve located off Aripeka Road. Approximately 50 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

• Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
• Maintaining access for public recreation

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. Click here to learn more about why igniting prescribed burns now prepares lands for the next wildfire season