City of West Des Moines recently issued the following announcement.
The City of West Des Moines Public Services Department may be conducting prescribed prairie burns on City-owned property in the area of Raccoon River Park, Southwoods Park, Beh Glen Park and along Railroad to First Street. Weather and wind conditions play a significant role in the decision to burn or not, so specific dates are not available at this time.
Burning will be conducted with safety as a primary concern and all WDM emergency services will be notified prior to burning. Permits have been secured through the Polk County Public Works Air Quality Division.
Burning of prairie areas is done to enhance the native vegetation that currently exists. Fire stimulates the growth of native species, such as Big Bluestem, Compass Plant, and Butterfly Milkweed, while stunting or eliminating weed species.
Although the burned areas will be bare and blackened at first, residents can expect to see these areas burst forth with new growth and vigor in the spring. Be sure to stop by to see for yourself how special prairies can be!
Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 515-222-3450 for more information.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up