SMSC to conduct prescribed burns today in Shakopee
Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is conducting prescribed burns this afternoon in Shakopee and on the reservation. The SMSC conducts prescribed burns on reservation lands and, upon request, in neighboring jurisdictions each spring and fall as an effective land management tool.
The planned burns today total four acres of Shakopee Memorial Park oak savanna (north of Highway 101 and Shenandoah Road) and, if time permits, prairie in the center medians of Dakotah Parkway.
Other prescribed burn units may be added in response to favorable burning conditions and/or additional requests. All prescribed burns depend entirely upon weather conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction.
About prescribed burns
A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, controlled fire used by land managers to replicate natural fire events. Prescribed burns are usually conducted as a treatment during vegetation dormancy, and timed to coincide with early- and late-season growth of non-native/invasive species. These burns help accomplish several ecological objectives, including adding nutrients to the soil, releasing native seed banks, rejuvenating native prairie grasses, removing dead biomass, helping kill invasive species, and reducing the risk of wildfires.
The SMSC conducts prescribed burns on reservation lands and in neighboring governments’ jurisdictions each spring and fall as an effective land management tool and to participate in inter-government, inter-agency cooperation. Staff trained in wildland firefighting from the SMSC Land and Natural Resources Department, Mdewakanton Public
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.