Planned burns aim to help Ottawa County parks thrive

Ottawa County parks will see controlled fires over three days next month as part of efforts to keep natural areas healthy. Teams will burn small sections at three parks from May 1 to 3, but only if weather conditions cooperate. If winds are too strong or humidity too low, the work gets postponed. The burns cover about five acres at Grand River Park on the first day, five to ten acres at Stearns Creek South the next, and another ten acres at Eastmanville Farm on the final day.These fires might seem risky, but they actually help ecosystems survive. Many native plants and animals depend on regular burns to stay strong. Without them, forests grow too thick, invasive species take over, and wildlife loses its natural food sources. The Stearns Creek South burn even targets a rare habitat called oak barrens, trying to bring it back to its original state. During the work, some trails may close temporarily, though the parks stay open. Visitors should expect smoke in the air, especially near the burned areas. Safety is the top priority. Crews use fire-resistant barriers and special tools to keep flames exactly where they should be. Each burn is managed by a trained expert who tracks wind patterns to protect nearby homes and buildings. Smoke models help predict where it might drift, so schools and hospitals stay unaffected. The goal is straightforward: give nature what it needs while keeping people safe.