Prescribed Burn Planned Tuesday In Pine Island Conservation Area On Merritt Island
By Space Coast Daily // August 23, 2016
CONTROLLED BURN SCHEDULED 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Brevard County Fire Rescue has announced a 110-acre prescribed burn August 23 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Pine Island Conservation Area on Merritt Island.
This burn is being conducted by the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program.
About the EEL Program
The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was established in 1990 to protect the natural habitats of Brevard County by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education.
This was made possible by citizens who voted to tax themselves up to $55 million dollars for the acquisition and maintenance of Brevard’s natural areas. Residents reaffirmed the EEL Program in 2004 under a second referendum to protect the natural habitats within Brevard County by the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands through a willing seller program for the purpose of conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education.
To stretch these funds as far as possible, the EEL Program forms partnerships with federal, state and local agencies that are committed to the protection of natural resources and our long-term quality of life. EEL sanctuaries are managed to preserve native habitats and the plants and animals that live there.
What is Prescribed Fire?
Prescribed fire is the application of fire under selected weather and fuel conditions to achieve specific goals. These goals include fuel reduction, maintenance of biodiversity, forest disease control, and the enhancement of habitat for threatened and endangered species.
These fires must be performed with the safety of both the prescribed burner and the public in mind. In 1990, the Florida Legislature passed the Prescribed Fire Act, which supports the importance of prescribed fire in Florida and sets guidelines for training and certifying prescribed fire practitioners.
In 1999, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing the importance of prescribed fire to accomplish varied land management goals within the County.
