PHOTO OF PREVIOUS FIRE AT HAL SCOTT REGIONAL PRESERVE VIA ST. JOHN'S RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
The St. Johns River Water Management District (Website) is conducting a 305-acre prescribed burn at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park in Orange County.
The burn is taking place in the northeastern portion of the 9,515-acre preserve, which sits along the south bank of the Little Econ River near the intersection of Bithlo and Christmas in eastern Orange County, roughly 20 miles east of downtown Orlando. Smoke may be visible from the State Road 528 corridor, Narcoossee Road, and surrounding communities including Bithlo, Christmas, and east Orange County neighborhoods.
Hal Scott Preserve is jointly managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange County and is one of the largest natural areas in Orange County, protecting floodplain forests, scrub, flatwoods, and wet prairie habitats along the Little Econ River corridor. The objectives of the burn are to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems and preserve habitat for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, a federally protected species.
Residents who notice smoke in the area are encouraged to follow the St. Johns River Water Management District on social media for updates. More information on the district’s prescribed burn program is available at sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire.
