Controlled Burning At Area Parks

Dakota County Parks, in cooperation with Prairie Restorations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will conduct prescribed burns throughout its parks between the end of March and May 31, as conditions allow. Burns will take place in Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Thompson County Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve, Whitetail Woods Regional Park and the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings. Prescribed burns are controlled fires used to improve the growth of native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Prescribed burning can recycle nutrients tied up in old plant growth, control many woody plants and herbaceous weeds, improve poor quality forage, increase plant growth, reduce the risk of large wildfires, and improve certain wildlife habitat. County staff and contractors who are experienced with fire control and management will conduct the prescribed burn. The exact time and date of the burns cannot be determined more than a day in advance because of weather conditions. Vegetation needs to be at the correct moisture level and the wind needs to be the correct speed and blowing the correct direction. For more information about the burns, contact Dakota County Parks at 952-891-7000.