[Press Release] : Prescribed Burn Planned at Stephens Lake Park

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Tammy Miller, 874-7465

Prescribed Burn Planned at Stephens Lake Park 

COLUMBIA, MO (March 15, 2007) - The Columbia Parks and Recreation
Department is planning a prescribed burn tomorrow (March 16) on the hill
at the north side of the lake at Stephens Lake Park. The burn will
likely start between 10 and 11 a.m. Signs will be posted on the site.
Parks and Recreation is working with joint communications and the fire
department to ensure safety.

Prescribed burns are helpful in maintaining natural areas. The
department uses prescribed burning to enhance native grasses, forbs,
legumes, and wildlife habitat. Prescribed burns also aid in suppressing
cool season grasses and weeds which can decrease the diversity of the
ecosystem. Left unchecked, these areas would become a stagnant
monoculture with the wildlife habitat being virtually eliminated. 

Future prescribed burns by the department may include the Grindstone
and Forum Nature Areas. Exact dates are not known, as conditions for a
prescribed burn depend largely on the weather. 

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460. 

-30-

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