Prior Lake, Minnesota - Land Department staff from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community are planning to conduct several prescribed burns on Community land between mid- April and mid to late May 2008. A prescribed burn is an intentionally lit, low intensity fire used by land managers to replicate natural fires. Prescribed burns benefit natural communities by removing dead biomass, adding nutrients to the soil, releasing native seed banks, and killing non-native species.

Prescribed burns have to meet specific weather requirements. Three components are considered: relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed and direction. The fire will be out of prescription and not lit if any component exceeds plan limits.

In a natural setting, a low intensity fire would burn a prairie/wetland complex on a 3-5 year cycle. Fire prevention activities leave most natural areas overgrown and susceptible to being invaded by non-native species. Most of SMSC’s restoration areas are four to six years of age and need burning. SMSC Land Department staff conduct the prescribed burns with Mdewakanton Emergency Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs fire personnel.

As a steward of the land, the SMSC engages in a number of restoration activities to preserve and protect the land for future generations. The SMSC Land Department and Natural Resources Department has re-established native prairies and wetlands on more than 500 acres of former farmland. Wild rice is sowed in Community wetlands. Maple sap is collected from Community trees, and maple syrup is made. Trees and other native flora are planted. Environmental specialists are also active in restoring and managing wetlands, surveying wildlife, and taking an inventory of existing natural communities. Hydrologists assess water quality, coordinate the Community’s Wellhead Protection Program, plan projects to improve water quality, and implement erosion control.

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