Prescribed burns continue at Chester Woods Park and Root River Park

Olmsted County employees with the Parks Department, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Minnesota Conservation Corps are continuing with prescribed burn efforts across the region.

Staff started the prescribed burns earlier this month and will continue working at Chester Woods Park and Root River Park.

“The prescribed fires are done in prairies or woodland areas every three to five years to discourage invasive species such as buckthorn and parsnip,” said Olmsted County Parks Director Karlin Ziegler. “The burns also help regenerate the soils and boost the growth of native species.”

Prescribed burns also reduce hazardous fuels; minimize the spread of pests, insects and disease; and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Future burns at Chester Woods Park and Root River Park will only occur in optimal conditions when it is not too windy. Parks staff is diligent about finding the right weather to promote the rise of smoke instead of letting it hang near the ground. They aim for wind conditions that direct the smoke away from the most heavily populated areas of recreation.

While prescribed burns occur, park users may see smoke in various areas of the park while hiking or picnicking. The Parks department encourages people to continue using the parks while burns occur; however, if you have breathing problems that could be made worse by the smoke, you are welcome to visit any of our other parks or return when smoke subsides.