Prescribed burn to take place Thursday at Perico Preserve in Manatee

MANATEE -- A prescribed burn will take place at Perico Preserve at noon Thursday.

The burn will be on 23 acres in northwest part of the preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W. on Perico Island. The 175-acre preserve is scheduled to open at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14.

"Primary objectives for this burn are to introduce fire as a natural and essential process in the ongoing restoration and establishment of native habitats at Perico Preserve and to provide training opportunities for less experienced staff in a low complexity fire environment," according to an email sent between county officials Wednesday. "Secondary objectives are to establish and continue good working protocols with affected agencies and to provide additional opportunities for interpretation of fire as both a natural processes and essential land management tool."

The local fire departments, neighbors and the Florida Forest Service have been notified of the prescribed burn, according to the email.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Prescribed burn to take place Thursday at Perico Preserve in Manatee ."