FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2023
Harry Sheehan, Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner
Phone: 734-222-6860
Email: [email protected]
Local Rain Gardens Continue to Thrive With Help From Controlled Burns
Ann Arbor, MI – Controlled burns are scheduled to be performed during the spring months in rain gardens and stormwater features throughout Washtenaw County - as weather conditions permit. PlantWise, LLC, the contractor responsible for controlled burns for the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, notes that “Before widespread European settlement, fire was the dominant natural process sculpting our natural areas. Most prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands would burn on a regular basis.”
Ecologically, it is important to burn natural areas such as rain gardens so that the prairie-like ecosystems continue to flourish. Invasive species frequently can out-compete native plants and can take over local ecosystems. Controlled burns help reduce invasive species and encourage native plants to thrive.
Controlled burns are anticipated to be conducted in the following sites:
- Arbor Oaks rain gardens
- Belize Park rain garden - Performed March 24, 2023
- Kingsley and 1st rain garden - Performed March 24, 2023
- Garden Homes rain garden at Miller Ave and Franklin St
- Veteran’s park rain gardens near Dexter Ave and near Maple and Jackson Rd
- West Park stormwater basins
- rain gardens within the Waste Water Treatment Plant
The Washtenaw County Office of the Water Resources Commissioner has collaborated with the City of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation and Public Services departments on controlled burns located within the City of Ann Arbor. Burns at the sites listed above will be conducted by a professional contractor, PlantWise, LLC. Since their founding in 1998, PlantWise, LLC has completed nearly 1,100 burns totaling over 17,000 acres.
Each burn is weather dependent and cannot be scheduled until the morning of the burn day. Burn plans will be developed for each site considering temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, crew needs, and more. Burn permits will also be obtained from the Fire Department. If you would like to see these documents or have any questions, please contact the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office at [email protected].
Our Mission: We seek to inspire the residents and communities of Washtenaw County to protect surface water and the environment while maintaining necessary drainage. Within the authority granted to our office, we provide resources to reduce flooding, dispose of home toxics, and improve water quality.
Visit washtenaw.org/drains for more information.
##