The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will be performing prescribed burns to address brush and excessive vegetative thatch at the East Fork Water Reuse Project (Wetland) in Kaufman County. The prescribed burns will be conducted over multiple days beginning in December 2020 through February 2021. The timing and conclusion of the prescribed burns will depend on local weather conditions.
The prescribed burns may be visible to the area surrounding the Wetland which is located north and south of Highway 175 in an area generally bound by FM 1389 (Kaufman St.), FM 3039 (Old Hwy. 5), Lewis St. and the East Fork of the Trinity River.
Performing prescribed burns is a critical management tool of the Wetland and provides many benefits for the natural filtering process of river water by the plants. Burns reduce brush and excessive cattail thatch that inhibit new plant growth in addition to removing major water-consuming plants like willows. The burns promote a new, vibrant plant community which improves water flow through the Wetland and supports water quality improvement as well as wildlife habitat and diversity.
These annual burns are conducted in a controlled and safe manner according to strict guidelines. NTMWD is coordinating these activities with the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments and police.
The Wetland uses aquatic plants and sunlight to naturally filter water diverted from the Trinity River and East Fork of the Trinity Riv er. As Wetland vegetation goes through its annual life cycle, it creates a layer of thatch which accumulates over time. Prescribed burning is a critical management tool to address accumulated vegetative thatch and invasive woody vegetation. The naturally filtered water is then pumped north to Lavon Lake and eventually treated for distribution to NTMWD water customers.
For questions, please contact Denise Hickey, Water Resource Program and Public Education Manager at (972) 442-5405 or by email at dhickey@NTMWD.com.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.