Austin Water's Wildland Conservation Division has announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 288 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands. The burn is scheduled for Thursday, February 6.
Smoke from the burn may be visible in several areas, including northeast of RR 3237, north of FM 150, south of FM 967, and west of FM 1626 and FM 2770. It may also be seen along the I-35 corridor between South Austin and Kyle to the east, and between Dripping Springs and Wimberley to the west.
The Water Quality Protection Lands program manages over 34,000 acres to improve water quality and quantity recharging the Edwards Aquifer. This aquifer supplies water to Barton Springs as well as groundwater wells in Hays and Travis Counties. The lands are managed by Austin Water's Wildland Conservation Division.
"Conducting prescribed burns is one of the strategies used to manage these lands and protect groundwater in Central Texas," said Matt Lore from Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division. "Prescribed burns improve the resiliency of our land when they are used as a planned seasonal management tool."
Prescribed burns replicate natural fire cycles in a controlled manner, limiting fire intensity while benefiting both natural landscapes and human communities by reducing wildfire risks. They help reduce brush and promote grasslands that enhance water recharge into the aquifer. Post-burn observations have shown increased biodiversity among wildflowers and native grasses. Grassland birds such as quail and northern harrier hawks benefit from open habitats created by fires for nesting and feeding.
A team comprising Austin Water staff, city and county fire departments, along with federal, state, and local land management agencies will oversee the operation with safety as their primary concern.
For those interested in receiving notifications before each prescribed burn, visit: https://bit.ly/rxburnnotification.