Closures expected Thursday at Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area for controlled burns

The St. Johns River Water Management District anticipates conducting a 336-acre prescribed burn at the main trailhead and parking area at Longleaf Flatwoods.The entire conservation area will be closed for public safety.

The district also anticipates burning 839 acres in the northeast corner of the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, from Lochloosa Creek to U.S. 301 and south of Fish Camp Road. That portion of the property will be closed to public use, but other sections of the property, including Burnt Island Road and the fishing pier, will be open.

The purpose of the burns is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and maintain fire-dependent natural communities.

Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases and opening scenic vistas. Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels that naturally build up over time, while also helping to control the growth of woody shrubs.

Before conducting a burn, the district ensures that wind and other weather conditions are correct for controlling the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.