On Monday, October 26, 2015 there was a controlled burn just off of US 19 and Frontage Road south of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in the Weeki Wachee Preserve area.
A controlled or prescribed burn is usually performed during cooler times of year to reduce the amount of natural debris from excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees. This decreases the probability of hotter more serious fires. It also stimulates the germination of some beneficial flora, thus renewing the forest. A prescribed burn involves identifying areas and establishing control lines to prevent the fire from burning outside the control lines.
Ranger Nicky Ross and Volunteer Victor Whyman conducted the burn on October 26th. With 12 years of experience as a Ranger, Ross also called the “Burn Boss,” came from Sarasota to help out during this prescribed burn. Ross also noted that this area is a habitat for Scrub Jays. Scrub Jays are under the Endangered Species Act.
For more information about Controlled Burns visit: http://www.fws.gov/fire/
For more information bout the Florida Scrub Jay visit: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Florida_Scrub-Jay/id