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[JHeath]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=49033.98

4/4/2008 10:19:00 AM
City Sets Controlled Burn For Washington Park

From Staff Reports

MICHIGAN CITY - The city has scheduled a controlled burn in Washington Park sometime during April.

The burn is tentatively scheduled for April 14, weather permitting. The area to be burned is the wooded area adjacent to Fedder's Alley, between the parking lot and the beach.

Due to changing weather conditions the announcement of the controlled burn will occur only 24 hours in advance. City officials said notification will be given to the La Porte County Health Department, Michigan City Police Department and news media.

If conditions are unfavorable, the following week of April will be used.

Impact on daily traffic and citizens is considered minimal, according to city officials, however, they said it's important for motorists and residents to be aware of smoky conditions that could reduce visibility along streets in the area.

The purpose of the burn is to remove accumulated dead plant material and invasive and nuisance species such as buckthorn, poison ivy and tree of heaven. When completed, the burn is expected to promote the healthy growth of native plants.

The terrain and plant life on Fedder's Alley is similar to and in the Indiana National Lakeshore that is controlled with similar burns.

The fire will be conducted by Michigan City's urban forester Franklin Seilheimer in conjunction with Deputy Fire Chief Randy Novak and the Michigan City Fire Department.