District plans prescribed burn at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District plans prescribed burn at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

Phipps Park is located between North Meridian Road and Lake Jackson, south of Miller Landing Road. Signs will be posted at the park to notify visitors and neighbors of burning in progress. The District’s burn-certified land managers will conduct the burns.

Although every effort will be made to ensure smoke will not affect roadways, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roads.

Prescribed fire is an effective and efficient land management tool used to restore and protect water and natural resources. Prescribed fires, which mimic naturally occurring fires, reduce wildfire risk, enhance native vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.

The District owns and manages more than 200,000 acres to conserve and protect water and natural resources throughout northwest Florida. Phipps Park is jointly owned and managed by the District and the City of Tallahassee. The District purchased its 516 acres in 1992 to protect the Lake Jackson watershed.