(Undated)– The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is planning to conduct prescribed burns within selected wildlife complexes in Cherokee, Dickinson, and O’Brien counties between April 1st and May 20th. We reported previously on the burns scheduled for Dickinson county. The scheduled areas for Cherokee and O’Brien counties are within the Waterman Prairie Wildlife Complex, north and south of Highway 10, five miles west of Peterson, and four miles east and south of Sutherland.
The burns are done to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, and maintain native plant communities. Several birds benefit from the habitat improved with periodic prescribed fire for nesting and brood rearing. Burning sets back invading brush, removes the accumulating thatch, and reinvigorates native plants by simulating what occurred naturally for centuries.
Areas are typically burned every one to five years if possible, and vary in size from a few acres to several hundred acres. Burns are conducted on days that meet the objectives and weather guidelines defined in the burn plan. Any prescribed burns that are not able to be completed this spring may be considered for the burn schedule next fall.
