The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Corps of America in cooperation with the City of Red Wing will be conducting several controlled prescribed burns of the native prairies on Sorin's Bluff/Memorial Park on Monday, October 28th. The purpose of the burns is to reduce invasive species in these areas and to stimulate existing native plants.

These burns are the first steps of a long range management plan to preserve and enhance these native plant communities within Red Wing. The schedule for the prescribed burns is dependent on weather and wind conditions. The Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area burn will be scheduled at a later date on a non-student day at Twin Bluff Middle School. More information will be available at a later date.

Please be aware that the fires and smoke will be noticeable from great distances due to the bluff top prairie locations and that some of the burn units are adjacent to residential properties. Residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid these areas while the prescribed burns are taking place and while burn crew members are on the scene.

Please contact Steve Kohn at the City of Red Wing (651.385.3622) or email at Steve.Kohn@ci.red-wing.mn.us for further questions.