Prescribed burn on Austin's Water Quality Protection Lands scheduled to happen Wednesday

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division is planning to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 97 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands on Wednesday, the division said in a release on Tuesday.

Smoke may be visible northeast of RR 3237, north of FM 150, south of FM 967, and east of FM 1626 and FM 2770 from 10 a.m. until sunset, the release said.

Residents can sign up for notifications about prescribed burns here: Burn Notifications

The Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program, which manages over 30,000 acres, aims to protect water quality and improve recharge to the Edwards Aquifer—an essential water source for Barton Springs and groundwater wells in Hays and Travis counties, the division said. Austin Water's Wildland Conservation Division manages the lands.

“Conducting prescribed burns is one of the strategies used to manage these lands and protect groundwater in Central Texas,” Matt Lore, Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division, said in the release. “Prescribed burns improve the resiliency of our land when they are used as a planned seasonal management tool.”

According to Austin Water, prescribed burns simulate natural fire cycles in a controlled way, reducing fire intensity while benefiting both the environment and local communities. They help clear out brush and promote grasslands, which improves water quality and quantity for aquifer recharge. Wildland Conservation staff have noted increased biodiversity after prescribed burns, with native wildflowers and grasses flourishing. Grassland birds like quail and northern harrier hawks also benefit from the open habitat created by the burns, the division said.

The burn will be overseen by a team of highly trained professionals, including Austin Water staff, fire departments, and partner agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Texas Forest Service. All personnel meet strict training, experience, fitness, and safety requirements for fire management according to the Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division. The burn’s prescription considers weather conditions, such as wind and past precipitation, to ensure that the fire remains controlled and achieves its goals.

Austin Water will notify the public and nearby residents before each burn, providing maps of specific locations. Interested individuals can sign up for notifications via email at the provided link.

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