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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesThe Natural Resources Conservation Division is preparing for a prescribed burn in the Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve. Staff anticipates conducting burn activities between Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec, 15, weather permitting.
The area for the proposed burn is located south of Highway 98, west of Fairfield Drive, north of Gulf Beach Highway, and east of Blue Angel Parkway and is approximately 92 acres. A Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, on contract, will oversee the burn with assistance from the Florida Forest Service and oversight provided by staff from the Natural Resources Conservation Division.
Fall and winter are an ideal time for prescribed burns, where land managers intentionally set small, low-intensity fires that mimic natural fires caused by lighting. Prescribed burns keep the understory open to allow grasses and other small plants to dominate the landscape. Ash keeps the soil fertile and encourages new plant growth in the spring. By reducing fuel loads and keeping the understory clear, land managers reduce the chances of a larger, more dangerous wildfire.
For more information about the Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and the proposed prescribed burn, please call 850-595-3496 or 850-840-9089.
Map depicting the designated areas for the Jones Swamp prescribed burn
Successful prescribed burn at Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve in January 2022. Picture courtesy of Samantha Bolduc.
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