Prescribed burn proposed for sections of the Hank Aaron State Trail

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is planning to conduct prescribed burning on a small section of the Hank Aaron State Trail in Milwaukee County this spring.

Officials say prescribed burning is part of an ongoing effort to preserve and restore the landscape found within DNR properties throughout Wisconsin. These burns reduce leaf litter, improve wildlife habitat, redistribute nutrients and help control invasive species.

The window for conducting prescribed burns is relatively small, due to special weather conditions required. The moisture level of groundcover, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity must be just right for a safe and successful burn.

Prior to any prescribed burns, trained personnel assess the area to determine wind direction and speed, relative humidity, grass moisture and safety requirements.

Local police and fire officials are notified when and where the burn will take place.