Prescribed burns take place today

County residents may see some smoke on the horizon as a result of prescribed burns being conducted today at Southeast Metropolitan Park and Pace Bend Park between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to Travis County Parks, “The prescribed burn is intended to reduce wildfire danger and improve ecosystem health by removing invading shrubs, consuming dead and downed vegetation, reducing the number of exotic species, and enhancing the health and diversity of the native plant community.” Both parks will remain open to the public, though some portions of the parks may be closed.