CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The St. Johns River Water Management District is monitoring a controlled burn at Bayard Conservation Area along County Road 209 in Green Cove Springs.
The SJRWMD will burn 145 acres of a mix of sandhill and mesic flatwoods as a way to reduce hardwood competition and to promote native grass.
A prescribed burn, or controlled fire, is beneficial to restore and maintain natural communities, reduce chances of destructive wildfires, control tree diseases and cycle nutrients.
Before the fire was started, the SJRWMD made sure the wind and weather conditions were correct for controlling the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.
