ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 18, 2022 — City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) will be conducting controlled ecological burns in local natural areas between Aug. 1 and Dec. 22. Burns are conducted on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting. On the day of a controlled burn, signs will be posted around the park and staff will be available on site for questions. The fire will be under control at all times.

Where will NAP burn?

During the autumn 2022 season, NAP has permits to burn in the following locations: Arbor Hills Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area, Buttonbush Nature Area, Cedar Bend Nature Area, Furstenberg Nature Area, Hollywood Park, Huron Hills Golf Course Woods, Leslie Park, Leslie Woods Nature Area, Marshall Nature Area, Mary Beth Doyle Park?, Miller Nature Area, Oakwoods Nature Area and Sugarbush Park.

Why burn?

The native Ann Arbor ecosystems are fire dependent. Until settlers began suppressing fires in the early 1700s, fire enriched the soil and removed dead thatch, allowing diverse native plant and animal communities to thrive. Continued fire suppression has allowed fire-intolerant, non-native plant species to out-compete the native, fire-adapted plants. By reintroducing fire in the Ann Arbor parks, NAP is reinstating an essential ecosystem process.

What is involved in conducting burns?

NAP staff evaluates each site and develops a burn plan that provides information on the specific ecological objectives of the burn, preferred weather conditions to minimize smoke, ignition pattern, location of burn breaks to safely contain the fire, equipment, contingency plans, and emergency phone numbers. City and township fire marshals review the plans before issuing the necessary permits. NAP then waits until weather conditions are within the range specified in the burn plan before proceeding.