News Release

Big Cypress Plans Lostmans Pace Prescribed Fire to Improve Habitat Quality

Date: June 22, 2018
Contact: Ardrianna McLane, 239-695-1107

Ochopee – Big Cypress National Preserve and Southwest Florida and Caribbean Interagency Fire and Aviation are planning to conduct a prescribed burn as early as June 27 through late July 2018. Implementation of these treatments will be weather and resource dependent. Additional notifications will be sent out prior to ignitions via social media and the preserve’s website, nps.gov/bicy.  

The Lostmans Pace Prescribed Fire is a growing season burn that helps to improve habitat for threatened and endangered species by mimicking a natural fire regime. Additionally, the planned prescribed fire helps to protect facilities and infrastructure by reducing the amount of debris and vegetation that fuels extreme fires. Firefighters plan to utilize this season’s recent Curlew Wildfire and prescribed fires as natural holding features to help secure the planned burn. Current water levels in the preserve help firefighters achieve low intensity and severity fire. The resulting patchwork of burned and unburned vegetation creates a mosaic of habitat that supports a diversity of wildlife.

For questions and concerns, please contact the Southwest Florida and Caribbean Interagency Fire and Aviation (SWFLCAR) Duty Officer [phone].

Private property landowners with a valid special use permit may gain access along designated routes through the preserve.