Three Rivers Park District has begun prescribed burns until early June and will include Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve located in Savage near its border with Prior Lake.

The timing of the burns will vary depending on wind and weather conditions. Exact dates will not be available until 48 or more hours prior to the burns that will be conducted mainly between mid-morning and early evening hours, Monday through Friday. An occasional Saturday burn may be scheduled if weather conditions limit weekday burns.

Three Rivers uses prescribed burns as a tool to manage prairies and woodlands. The fires help control invasive species, increase native plant growth and improve quality wildlife habitat.

The park district’s wildlife and forestry departments have detailed plans for each burn which address safety, weather needs, wind direction, equipment and staff presence. Plans are approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which issues burn variances. Burn permits are obtained from the local fire departments, which are also notified at the start of each fire. All efforts are made to keep smoke away from homes, but residents living in some areas will be able to smell smoke for periods of time. Caution signs will be posted at park access road, trails and adjacent roads to alert park users and nearby motorists.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is located at 15501 Murphy Lake Boulevard in Savage.