Spring 2018 Prescribed Burns of Stormwater Wetland Ponds

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) wants to alert park and trail users that a contractor hired by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will be conducting prescribed burns for the stormwater wetland ponds at Bde Maka Ska, Lake Nokomis and Cedar Lake.

The prescribed burns will take place during May 2018. Specific weather and environmental conditions must be met to implement a prescribed burn including: the optimal prevailing wind direction, humidity levels, and cloud cover conditions. If Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Mn PCA) issue air quality alerts or Minnesota DNR (Mn DNR) places burning restrictions for the metro area, this will limit our ability to conduct a prescribed burn.

During a prescribed burn, park users may see smoke and flames. The contractor will have MN DNR trained staff on site along with the necessary fire control equipment. The contractor has obtained all necessary permits required for a prescribed burn. City of Minneapolis 911, as well as MPRB police and customer service are notified prior to and upon completion of the burn.

About Prescribed Burns
Prescribed burns are one of the management tools used to maintain native plantings. When fire is suppressed, invasive shrubs and trees can invade these natural areas, outcompeting desirable native wildflowers and grasses.

More Information
If you have questions regarding the MCWD prescribed burns of the MPRB stormwater wetland ponds, please call MCWD at (952) 641-4582.

Information on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s natural areas and their management can be found on the web at www.minneapolisparks.org.

Contact

Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6410
Email: rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org