As part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve local ecosystems, the St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department conducted a planned burn on March 25, with two more set for March 27.

The first burn took place on Tuesday in Chesterfield at 11 a.m. at the Little Creve Coeur Lake Ecological Area at Creve Coeur Lake Park. The other burns are planned for Thursday at Cliff Cave Park, 806 Cliff Cave Road, and Friday at Queeny Park, 1675 S. Mason Road, though these dates are weather-dependent. The scheduled times of these planned burns have not been released.

“Prescribed burns are a vital tool our Parks and Recreation team uses to control invasive species, reduce wildfire risks and promote biodiversity,” County Executive Sam Page stated in a press release. “By conducting these burns under controlled conditions, we can restore native plants and create a healthier environment for future generations.” 

The St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department typically conducts between five and ten prescribed burns annually, most occurring between mid-fall and early spring. Timing the burns this way allows for better control over fuel types and reduces the potential impact on wildlife during nesting season beginning in mid-April.

“St. Louis County employees are well-trained through both state and federal agencies to safely conduct prescribed burns,” Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Schaffer stated in a press release. “These burns benefit not only the natural landscape but also park visitors and local residents by enhancing the beauty and health of our parks and in some cases, reducing maintenance costs.”

The public is encouraged to be aware of these controlled burns and to avoid the affected areas during scheduled burn times.