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Prescribed burns planned this spring in southwest metro

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is planning prescribed burns this spring on 77 acres of land in several locations in the southwest metro. The SMSC conducts prescribed burns on SMSC lands and, upon request and through mutual aid agreements, in neighboring jurisdictions each spring and fall as an effective land management tool. Since 2004, the SMSC has conducted prescribed burns on approximately 2,000 acres of land in the region.

SMSC locations include:

• Shutrop prairie located north of the intersection of McKenna Road and Eagle Creek Boulevard
• Dakota Slough wetland located northeast of the intersection of County Road 14 and County Road 79
• Peterson prairie located northeast of the intersection of County Road 83 and County Road 42
• Oak savanna and prairies, east of the Mystic Lake Road and County Road 82 intersection
• Medians north of East Village on Tintaocanku Boulevard
• King prairie located west of the intersection of County Road 42 and Dakotah Parkway
• Theis wetland located south of the intersection of County Road 42 and Dakotah Parkway

Prior Lake-Savage School District location:

• Hidden Oaks Middle School prairie located north of County Road 44

City of Savage locations include:

• McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center prairie located northwest of the intersection of County Road 42 and Dakota Ave
• Hidden Valley Park prairie located west of the intersection of Glendale Road and Glendale Lane
• Summit Point Park prairie located southeast of the intersection of County Road 16 and Boone Ave

A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, controlled fire used by land managers to replicate natural fire events. 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 staff coordinate with neighboring entities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other state and federal agencies to lead and assist with prescribed burns within the region.

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 and attract millions of visitors to the region.