Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns January through March on Starkey Wilderness Preserve, the Green Swamp, and Cypress Creek Preserve.

Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along Highway 471 and Rockridge Road between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 15,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

District Aims to Reduce Risk of Wildfires by Scheduling Prescribed Fires for Pasco County

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 see aerial footage from a prescribed fire in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve where District land management staff burned 320 acres.