Prescribed Burns in Dakota County

Dakota County Parks will conduct prescribed burns throughout its park system between the end of March and May 31st, as conditions allow. The prescribed burns, conducted in cooperation with Prairie Restorations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are controlled fires used to improve the growth of native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers and can help recycle nutrients tied up in old plant growth. The burns also reduce the risk of large wildfires, and improve certain wildlife habitat. Burns will take place in Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Thompson County Park, Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, Spring Lake Park Reserve, Whitetail Woods Regional Park and two small prairies by the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings. The exact time and date of the burns cannot be determined more than a day in advance because of weather conditions. For more information about the burns, contact Dakota County Parks at 952-891-7000.