Parks & Recreation

April 9, 2015 by Staff Report

Geauga Park District

For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Prescribed Burns Planned

Geauga Park District’s Planning and Natural Resource Management Department is utilizing prescribed fire this spring to manage early successional habitats. Burns are currently planned for Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge Township, Big Creek Park in Chardon Township and Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Munson Township.

One burn was already completed April 2 in a 10-acre field at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve in Burton Township. The remainder of the burns should take place before April 30, weather dependent, prior to the nesting season of grassland birds.

Burns are conducted by an Ohio-certified prescribed fire manager and done according to prepared burns plans to ensure proper smoke dispersal. Signs are posted for visitors as soon as conditions are conducive to burn and only affected trails are closed during the time of the burn only. The local fire department and law enforcement are also notified directly.

Controlled burning is a well-established best management practice used to maintain early successional habitats. Burning duff (dormant plant material) away reduces woody species, propagates seeds, recycles nutrients and maintains open habitat for pollinators and meadow nesting birds.