STUART — The Florida Forest Service, working with Martin County’s Environmental Resource Division, plans to conduct a prescribed burn Dec. 9–10 at the Hawks Hammock Preserve parcel in Palm City, officials announced.
The burn area will include about 140 acres of pine flatwoods and marsh habitat located south of Interstate 95 and north of Southwest Markel Street. The preserve will be closed during the operation and is expected to remain closed for one to two days afterward.
Officials said the planned fire is intended to reduce the risk of future wildfires and improve the health of the ecosystem. According to the release, prescribed burning mimics natural fire cycles, reduces long-term undergrowth and lowers the chance of destructive wildfire. Burned areas often see increases in native plants, birds and other wildlife…