Controlled burns scheduled for area around C.W. Bill Young Reservoir

PICNIC and LITHIA – Tampa Bay Water is conducting controlled, prescribed burns during the winter and spring months (December 2020 through May 2020) on the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir property. The parcels slated for controlled burns are on the mitigation and conservation areas surrounding the reservoir, east of Hobson-Simmons Road, south of Boyette Road, southeast of Browning Road and west of County Road 39.

Controlled burns are part of Tampa Bay Water’s land management program. The controlled burns at the regional reservoir are prescribed to remove nuisance plant species, encourage the growth of native species, and decrease wildfire severity by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation.

Prescribed burns are only conducted when weather conditions allow, so burns will be conducted intermittently over the winter and spring months by certified, experienced personnel. Efforts will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect nearby roads. However, vehicle operators should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roadways.

For information on controlled, prescribed burns residents may contact Tampa Bay Water’s public information office at 866-INFO-H20 (866-463-6420).