Archived News Release: July 31, 2024 - City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) will be conducting controlled ecological burns in local natural areas between Aug. 5 and Dec. 20. Burns are conducted on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting. On the day of a controlled burn, signs will be posted around the park and staff will be available on site to answer questions. The fire will be under control at all times.
Anyone with health concerns related to potential exposure to smoke from controlled burning is asked to contact NAP before Aug. 5, and NAP will take the necessary steps to minimize risks.
Where will NAP burn?
During the autumn 2024 season, NAP has permits to burn in the following locations: Argo Nature Area, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area, Black Pond Woods Nature Area, Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area/Foxfire South Park, Foster Nature Area, Gallup Wet Prairie, Hansen Nature Area, Hollywood Park, Leslie Park, Mary Beth Doyle Park, Miller Nature Area, Oakwoods Nature Area, Redbud Nature Area, and Ruthven Nature Area.
Why burn?
Native Ann Arbor ecosystems are fire dependent. Until settlers began suppressing fires in the early 1700s, fire enriched the soil and removed dead thatch, allowing diverse native plant and animal communities to thrive. Continued fire suppression has allowed fire-intolerant, non-native plant species to out-compete the native, fire-adapted plants. By reintroducing fire in our parks, we are reinstating an essential ecosystem process.
What is involved in conducting burns?
NAP staff evaluates each site and develops a burn plan that provides information on the specific ecological objectives of the burn, preferred weather conditions to minimize smoke, ignition pattern, location of burn breaks to safely contain the fire, equipment, contingency plans, and emergency phone numbers. City and township fire marshals review the plans before issuing the necessary permits. NAP then waits until weather conditions are within the range specified in the burn plan before proceeding.
How can you get more information?
More information can be found on NAP's controlled ecological burn webpage. Because burns are weather-dependent, we are unable to schedule them in advance for specific days. If you would like to be called on the day of a burn near you, please call us and leave us your name, daytime phone number, and street address. We also post day-of-burn information on Facebook.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact NAP at 734.794.6627, email [email protected], or visit a2gov.org/NAPburn.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the city clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via email to: [email protected]; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk's Office, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Park millage renewal on Nov. 5 General Election ballot
The 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal is set to appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot, asking Ann Arbor voters to decide whether to continue supporting the Ann Arbor park system. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs, NAP programs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Visit parks online for answers to frequently asked questions, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more. Additional questions — or interest in scheduling a parks and recreation informational presentation for your neighborhood or community organization this summer or fall — can be directed to [email protected].
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