Prescribed burns just what the doctor ordered

The Edwards Aquifer provides water both to Barton Springs and to groundwater wells throughout Travis and Hays counties. Protecting the aquifer means protecting the ecosystem above and around it, and prescribed burning is one tool proven to have numerous benefits. Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division will be conducting prescribed burns this summer on sections of the 28,000 acres in Hays County designated as water quality protection lands. Among its other benefits, prescribed burning helps to minimize the danger of uncontrolled wildfire, promotes the growth of native grasses and supports biodiversity in the area. Luke Ball with the Wildland Conservation Division says, “Conducting prescribed burns is one of the strategies used to manage these lands and protect groundwater in Central Texas. Prescribed burns improve the resiliency of our land when they are used as a planned seasonal management tool.” To conduct the burns, Austin Water partners with highly trained staff from municipal fire departments and land management agencies. If you’d like to receive notifications when the burns are scheduled, sign up here.