Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced a series of prescribed burns in designated park areas from November 3 to December 31, 2021, aimed at ecological restoration and wildfire prevention. Locations for these controlled burns include Ashby Park, Gray’s Lake Park, and Union Park, among others. Weather conditions will dictate the timing and location of each burn, with real-time updates provided through social media channels and text alerts. These prescribed burns are essential for managing native prairie and woodland ecosystems, reducing the spread of invasive species, and promoting the natural regeneration of flora. The burns will also help decrease the threat of wildfires by managing combustible materials.

Residents are advised to steer clear of the parks during these operations for their safety. The Parks and Recreation staff conducting the burns are certified professionals trained in fire behavior and control techniques. The initiative underscores the department's commitment to enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of Des Moines' parklands.