Controlled Burns Planned for Conner Preserve

Land O’ Lakes residents who see smoke coming from the Conner Preserve in the coming days need not worry, according to officials from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Robyn Felix, the district’s spokeswoman, said “controlled, prescribed burns” are planned on 830 acres of land throughout the month of August.

The preserve is a district-owned conservation and recreation area located at 22500 State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes. It covers some 2,980 acres of land and is open for public use for biking, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking and more from sunrise to sunset daily.

The controlled burns are being set to mimic fires that might occur naturally. The idea behind controlled burns is to prevent uncontrolled wildfires, Kevin W. Love, the district’s land manager said in a media release.

“Every effort will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect homes or highways,” the release said. “However, vehicle operators should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roads or highways.”

No exact dates for the burns are available, but Felix said “there will probably be a total of three to four burns, scattered throughout the month, based on weather patterns and site conditions.”

For more information about the district call 352-796-7211 or visit swfwmd.state.fl.us.