Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is planning prescribed burns this spring on about 55 acres of reservation land and an additional 4.9 acres in Shakopee. The SMSC conducts prescribed burns on reservation lands and, upon request, in neighboring jurisdictions each spring and fall as an effective land management tool. With a wet winter season and a slow warming trend, burns this year may begin as early as May, depending on weather conditions.

Planned locations include:

  • 25 acres on Dakota Slough, northwest of the County Road 14 and 17 intersection 
  • 19 acres on Arctic Lake Prairie, south of County Road 82 and the Wilds subdivision
  • 10 acres on S-5 Prairie, east of the Mystic Lake Drive and County Road 82 intersection
  • 4.9 acres of Murphy’s Landing, near Shakopee Memorial Park
  • 1 acre on King Prairie, west of the County Road 42 and Dakotah Parkway intersection

A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, controlled fire used by land managers to replicate natural fire events. Prescribed burns are usually conducted during vegetation dormancy, and fire practitioners often schedule the burns to coincide with the early growth of non-native/invasive species. All prescribed burns are designed to meet ecological objectives and are entirely dependent upon weather conditions such as relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed and direction.

The SMSC wildland fire program conducts prescribed burns with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mdewakanton Public Safety, and other state and federal agencies.

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.