Prescribed burn to char through 673 acres at Jonathan Dickinson State Park over 2 days

Mauricio La Plante, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·1 min read

HOBE SOUND — Environmental workers ignited a prescribed burn Tuesday to blaze through 673 acres of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida Forest Service rangers said.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials set the burn to char through 464 acres of pine flatwoods Tuesday and plan to burn 209 acres Wednesday.

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The DEP firestarters initiate prescribed burns to mimic the natural fire cycles of the environment, according to a DEP news release. This restores natural forests, reduces accumulated undergrowth and decreases the chance of future fires.

The prescribed burns also lead to a bloom in native wildflowers and attract birds and other wildlife.

Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm focusing on Martin County. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Prescribed burn approved at Jonathan Dickinson Park at Hobe Sound