Prescribed Spring Burns Return to Eastern Iowa

As spring returns to Eastern Iowa, so to do the familiar sites and sounds of the changing seasons. One of those just so happens to be man-made, let me explain. If you look to the horizon and see a long line of fire or smoke, it might not actually be a big deal. Now I'm not saying don't call it in, but there is a good chance that it is a DNR planned burn.

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Well, according to a recent press release, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced it will begin conducting its annual spring burns across wildlife management areas overseen by the Maquoketa Wildlife Unit. The burns will take place in Clinton, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, Jones and Scott counties between mid-March and mid-May. And, as always, the burns depend heavily on weather conditions.

Where Are Burns Planned or Expected?

There's lots on the plate of our Natural Resource Officers this year, but these burns are extremely important to our local ecosystems. Here are the locations outlined in the release.

Clinton County

• Barber Creek
• Goose Lake
• Syracuse
• Wapsi

Clayton County

• Bloody Run
• Cow Branch
• Ensign Hollow
• Volga
• Leonard
• Sny Magill
• Big Springs

Delaware County

• Buffalo Creek
• Backbone State Park
• Manchester Hatchery
• Ram Hollow

Dubuque County

• Whitewater
• White Pine Hollow

Jackson County

• Big Mill Creek
• Green Island

Jones County

• Muskrat Slough
• Oxford Junction

Scott County

• Crow Creek
• Lost Grove Lake
• McCausland
• Princeton

I have hiked most of these areas, and if you're curious about any of these locations, you can follow the links to see my experiences at them.

Why We Burn in Iowa?

Prescribed burns may look dramatic, I mean a line of fire completely spanning an area seems wild, but they’re a routine and essential land management tool. Fire has always played a natural role in Iowa’s prairies and woodlands. Before modern fire suppression, periodic wildfires cleared out dead vegetation, recycled nutrients back into the soil and helped native plants thrive. All it took back then was a well-placed lighting in strike, now things are different.

Today, DNR staff recreate that natural process under controlled conditions. Burns help reduce invasive plant species, encourage the growth of native grasses and wildflowers, improve wildlife habitat and lower the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires by removing the old built-up "fuel."

Each burn is conducted only when specific weather conditions meet strict guidelines: including wind speed, humidity and temperature. Crews use firebreaks and specialized equipment to keep flames contained, and any burns that can’t be completed this spring may be rescheduled for the fall.

The charred ground might take some people aback, but in just a few short days, and after some rain, new growth is visible almost immediately. The burned up past decay rejuvenates the land as ash is highly beneficial for rejuvenating lost nutrients in the soil.

Remember, if you see long lines of smoke in any of these areas, it's not a bad idea to call it in, but it's most likely our local conservationists keeping our natural areas in pristine condition. If anyone does have questions about a specific site, burn dates, or other concerns, contact DNR wildlife biologist Nick McClimon at 563-219-4148.