Parks hosting open house ahead of spring prescribed burns
Washington County is planning to conduct prescribed burns throughout the park system April through December, with most burns occurring between March and May. Burns are planned at Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park, Square Lake Park, and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, as well as along CR-18 in Lake St. Croix Beach.
Why prescribed burns?
Prescribed burns are a key tool that has been used for generations to help keep grasslands and forests healthy by removing accumulated fuel, recycling nutrients, encouraging the growth of desirable plant species, and reducing pestilence.
Planning and safety measures
Each burn is carefully planned with the assistance of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division. Washington County submits a detailed burn plan for each location and receives a burn variance to conduct burns during suitable conditions, even during periods of open burning restrictions. Additionally, the county obtains burn permits from each local fire department. The burns will occur primarily during the day when weather conditions permit a safe and effective burn with good to excellent smoke dispersal. Trained personnel are on-site until the fire is extinguished.
Learn more at the Prescribed Fire Open House
Join county staff at the Prescribed Fire Open House from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve’s Nordic Center Trailhead. The Prescribed Fire Open House provides an opportunity for the public to:
- Learn about the purpose and benefits of prescribed burns.
- Ask questions and engage with experts.
- Observe safety measures and equipment in action.
No vehicle permit is required for this informative event. The county invites the public to attend and gain insights into the county’s commitment to ecological stewardship.
For more information about Washington County Parks, visit www.co.washington.mn.us/Parks, or contact our Parks team at 651-430-8370 or parks@co.washington.mn.us.