Austin Water is set to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 170 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands on Thursday, August 15. This burn is part of the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program, which actively manages over 30,000 acres to benefit the quality and quantity of water recharging the Edwards Aquifer. The Edwards Aquifer is a vital water source for Barton Springs and groundwater wells in Hays and Travis Counties. The Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division oversees the management of these lands.
Prescribed burns are a key strategy used to manage the WQPL lands and protect groundwater in Central Texas. Matt Lore, from the Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division, explains that prescribed burns improve the resiliency of the land when used as a planned seasonal management tool. These burns mimic the natural fire cycle in a controlled manner, reducing brush and promoting grasslands. This, in turn, provides optimal quality and quantity of water to recharge the aquifer.
The benefits of prescribed burns extend beyond water quality. Wildland Conservation staff have observed greater biodiversity in wildflowers and native grass communities after prescribed fires. Grassland birds such as quail and northern harrier hawks also benefit from the open habitat created by these fires, using it for nesting and feeding.
Safety is a top priority during prescribed burns, with a team of highly trained professionals from Austin Water, city and county fire departments, and various land management agencies working together to ensure a safe and controlled burn. Partnerships with organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Texas Forest Service contribute to the success of Austin Water’s prescribed burn program.
Before each prescribed burn event, Austin Water notifies the public and neighbors, providing maps with specific locations. Interested individuals can sign up to receive email notifications for future burns. The prescription for each fire takes into account weather conditions, ensuring that the fire behavior meets objectives and can be safely controlled.
For regular updates on prescribed burns, the public can follow Austin Water on Facebook and Twitter. By staying informed, residents can learn more about the benefits of prescribed burns and the efforts being made to protect water quality in Central Texas. Prescribed burns play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Water Quality Protection Lands and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the region.