Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced potential prescribed burns scheduled from November 2022 to May 2023 in several parks, including Ashby Park, Elm Grove Cemetery, and Gray’s Lake Park. These controlled burns serve as a crucial management tool for maintaining the health of native prairie and woodland ecosystems. By reducing undesirable plant species and promoting biodiversity, prescribed burns play a significant role in enhancing local flora and fauna. Residents will receive timely updates about burn locations through social media platforms and text alerts, promoting public safety during these operations. The article emphasizes that experienced park staff, certified in fire behavior and control techniques, will be conducting the burns to ensure safety for residents and property.

The ecological benefits of this practice include improved water quality and reduced wildfire risk, reinforcing the importance of fire in natural ecosystems. This initiative is part of Des Moines Parks and Recreation's broader mission to protect and enhance the environment. Overall, the prescribed burns represent a proactive approach to ecological management in the city’s diverse parks.