It is hard to believe that I am already half way through my University of Florida, Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) fellowship for 2015/2016.

This week I will be taking a blog-break to prepare for this week’s NRLI course in Jacksonville, “Wildland Urban Interface.” This subject deals with the challenges, dangers, and importance of prescribed burns and how they become more complicated as Florida’s growing population is allowed to develop further into once undeveloped/natural areas of our state.

Fire, of course, is a huge issue here in Martin County in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon Region as well. Fire is a natural part of the Florida ecosystem and necessary for the health of the lands, its wildlife, and the protection of people. “Not burning,” is not an option, as excess fuel– due to vegetation build up, causes fires to burn even hotter and is extremely dangerous!

As many may remember, in June of 2014, a controlled burn in Savannas State Park, in Jensen, quickly got out of control during high winds. This was a scary and nerve-wracking situation for the fire fighters and for the public, especially those who live across the street on Jensen Beach Boulevard in Pine Crest Lakes subdivision.

Fire, like water, is a part of the greater whole of our ecosystem…something we must understand.

I will return to blogging later next week. Thank you for reading my blog; see you soon.

Jacqui

WPBF report/video 2014 “Burn Now Raging Out of Control,” Jensen Beach, Savanna State Park:  (http://www.wpbf.com/news/prescribed-burn-now-raging-out-of-control-on-treasure-coast/26441382)

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UF article Perscribed Burns: (http://news.ufl.edu/archive/2015/03/ufifas-study-forest-managers-hindered-in-efforts-to-use-prescribed-burns-to-control-costly-wildfires.html)

Former blog post on fire: (http://jacquithurlowlippisch.com/2014/06/12/the-1908-great-jensen-fire-and-the-benefits-of-fire-along-the-indian-river-lagoon/)

UF NRLI : (http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu)