Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area temporarily closed for wildfire mitigation project

Staff maintaining fire lines at Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area. Fire lines act as a natural barrier to help create a boundary when conducting a prescribed burn.

PALATKA, Fla., March 7, 2024 — In a proactive effort to protect communities from potential wildfires, the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, located in Orange County, will be closed to the public starting March 8. This temporary closure is part of a comprehensive project undertaken by the St. Johns River Water Management District in collaboration with the Florida Forest Service.

The initiative, continuing until the end of March 2024, involves the use of heavy-duty machines to carefully mow sections of the project area, effectively reducing the height of vegetation. Subsequently, prescribed burning will be implemented when conditions are ideal. This approach targets approximately 55 acres that have posed challenges for prescribed fire maintenance due to the high fuel load present.

For the safety of the public, the property will be temporarily closed during the initial phase of the project, located near the main entrance. Following the completion of this phase, the property will reopen, and efforts will shift to the western boundary behind the Rybolts Reserve community.

The project’s overarching goal is to strengthen the resilience of neighboring communities to wildfires, ultimately creating a safer and more secure environment. The collaborative efforts of the District and the Florida Forest Service underscore a commitment to proactive measures that protect both the environment and the well-being of local residents.

Learn more about how prescribed fire is used to effectively manage District lands at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire.