FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2023

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008
districte@houstontx.gov
Prescribed Burn at Sylvan Rodriguez Park
HOUSTON, TX - Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make the Clear Lake area aware of the collaboration between The Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to conduct a prescribed fire within a portion of the restored prairie at Sylvan Rodriguez Park between February 13 through March 10, weather permitting. 
 
Prescribed fire is a useful tool in managing prairie habitat. It reduces undesirable woody plants and supports the growth of native vegetation. The prescribed fire will aid in reducing potential fire threats from accumulating vegetation and will reduce the wildland fire threat to the surrounding residential community.

The prescribed fire is scheduled between February 13 through March 10, weather permitting. 
 
In 2019, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department began habitat restoration within a 70-acre section of Sylvan Rodriguez Park, clearing the invasive Chinese Tallow trees and replacing them with over 14,000 native prairie grasses and wildflowers that have been grown in the Houston Parks and Recreation Department greenhouse. 
 
Houston Fire Department’s wildland firefighters will be performing and overseeing the entire prescribed fire to establish continuity and the swift mitigation of potential life safety hazards. The Houston Fire Department will also be coordinating with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Houston Health Department to establish clean air (atmospheric) monitoring during the prescribed fire. 
 
“Prescribed fire is a useful tool to help our department manage the over 17,000 acres of natural habitat in our park system. Our partnership with the Houston Fire Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department helps us to meet our habitat goals, while keeping our adjacent residents safe,” said Kenneth Allen, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. 
 
During the burn period, individuals may see smoke in their area or on nearby roads. The Houston Fire Department is requesting citizens near the burn site to refrain from calling 911. The Houston Fire Department cautions drivers to reduce their speed, use headlights when smoke is present, and always pay attention to posted reduced speed limits. Nearby roadways and trails may be posted with signs indicating, “prescribed fire ahead.” 
 
For more information and updates about the HFD’s and HPARD’s controlled burn please visit: https://houstontx.gov/parks/naturalresources.html
 
For information on Wildland Fire Management and prescribed fire please visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/wildland_fire_management/

Please contact the District E office by phone at (832) 393-3008 or by email at districte@houstontx.gov with any questions or comments.

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