Update...The DNR will conduct a prescribed burn on Tuesday morning, April 27, between approximately 10:30 a.m. and early afternoon.

March 31, 2010 -- As early as this week and continuing through early April, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting prescribed, or controlled, burns on approximately 12 blocks within the Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie. A prescribed burn is a carefully planned and executed fire used to preserve and protect wildlife that is native to a prairie. Prescribed burns are conducted to reduce the likelihood of wildfires, add nutrients to the prairie soil, and to remove undesirable woody plants and weeds.

The DNR will work in conjunction with the Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue Department to assess factors such as wind speed and direction, humidity, and grass moisture to ensure safe conditions are present prior to the prescribed burns and to select days that should result in minimal inconvenience due to smoke. Areas of the Chiwaukee Prairie to be burned are: blocks 12 and 17 of Unit 2; blocks 41 and 43 of Unit 4; blocks 47, 49, 50 and 53 of Unit 5; and blocks 8, 9, 10 and 11 of Unit 7. A series of burns, ranging from roughly five to 12 acres each will be conducted. Burns will typically take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and can take between roughly one and three hours to complete.

Burns could be conducted as early as today, depending upon the conditions mentioned above. Depending upon weather conditions, those in the area can expect the burns to take place over a two to six day period. Residents living near the area of the burns have received a flyer from the DNR with information about the process. They can prepare by closing windows in their home and bringing any laundry indoors. After the burns are complete, residents can expect to see black, burned areas of prairie, followed by the regrowth of stronger prairie plants with fewer invasive species. Residents may also notice a reduced number of pest organisms, such as ticks and the return of taller prairie grasses along with improved diversity of prairie species. Residents with questions related to the upcoming burns are asked to contact Marty Johnson at 262-884-2391.

To see the DNR information and related map, please select "View PDF" below.

View PDF