Published: August 27, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division will conduct a 340-acre prescribed burn within the SUMICA conservation area today. SUMICA will be closed to the public today, Aug. 27, 2024, and is expected to reopen tomorrow, Aug. 28, 2024.
SUMICA is in southeast Polk County, along the northeastern shore of lake Walk-in-Water.
The prescribed burn is being conducted for ecological purposes. Prescribed fires protect conservation lands from uncontrolled wildfires and support the health of Polk County’s ecosystems. Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division routinely conducts prescribed burns to maintain the health and ecological function of natural areas. To learn more about prescribed burns as a land management tool, visit Polk’s Nature Discovery Center and explore hands-on interactive exhibits.
All prescribed burns are subject to being postponed or canceled due to weather or other factors.