WYLIE, Texas – The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will be performing prescribed burns to address brush and heavy 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 2019 through February 2020. The timing and conclusion of the 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 plants. Burns reduce brush and heavy cattail thatch that inhibit growth of more desirable species in addition to removing major water-consuming plants like willows to promote a new, vibrant plant community to improve water flow and quality 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 area fire departments and police.
The Wetland uses aquatic plants and sunlight to naturally filter water diverted from the East Fork of the Trinity River. 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 thatching 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.
