Prescribed burns have been scheduled for several locations around the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and nearby areas this spring. These locations include:

  • Prairie located southeast of the junction of Eagle Creek Boulevard and Mystic Lake Drive
  • Prairie located northeast of the junction of Eagle Creek Boulevard and Montecito Drive
  • Prairie located southwest of the junction of County Road 21 and Eagle Creek Boulevard
  • Prairie located northeast of the junction of Townline Avenue and 160th Street NW
  • Oak savanna located east of Hocokata Ti near Tiwahe Circle
  • Prairie located off of Dakotah Parkway, south of Sioux Trail NW
  • Prairie located off of Dakotah Parkway, north of Wacipi Drive
  • Prairie and wetland located northwest of the junction of Marshall Road and 150th Street
  • Prairie located southwest of the junction of County Road 21 and Tintaocanku
  • Prairie located northeast of the junction of County Road 42 and Mystic Lake Drive
  • Oak savanna located northeast of the junction of Mystic Lake Drive and County Road 83

A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, controlled fire used by land managers to replicate natural fire events. Before Europeans colonized this area, fires were sometimes started by lightning but many more times by Dakota and other Indigenous people. They burned areas for many reasons, but they were mostly used to clear land for agriculture; to improve grazing and forage for game species like bison; to reduce brush in woodlands, which helped with easier travel; and to boost plant and seed production.

Fire helps native plants in prairies, oak savannas, and some wetlands stay healthy and vigorous. These plants provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Fire is also an excellent tool to reduce weeds and other invasive woody species that outcompete native plants for resources.

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 coordinates with neighboring entities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other state and federal agencies to lead and assist with prescribed burns within the region. During prescribed burns, trained burn crew members monitor weather conditions to protect air quality and road visibility to minimize potential impacts to neighboring communities.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is dedicated to helping build strong, healthy communities. The tribe is a committed 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. For more information, visit shakopeedakota.org.