The City of Davis is conducting a prescribed burn at South Fork Preserve from 11/5-11/7 during the hours of 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. Approximately 20 acres of the oak savannah will be burned to help reduce unwanted thatch build-up and provide rich nutrients for the soil to help promote native grass and biodiversity. In combination with targeted grazing and other techniques the City’s Open Space Program is doing, prescribed fire will help bring a healthier native balance to the oak savannah at South Fork. Fall is a good time to do this work due to weather conditions, less impacts to resources and the active growing season has passed. There will be no significant or long-term negative impacts to wildlife, and City staff has checked for dens and nests in the area. 

The City is working with Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, the Davis Fire Department and the Yolo County Resource Conservation District, and we have a Burn Plan, Incident Action Plan and Smoke Management Plan in place. In addition, multiple crews and staff will be on site during the three days. We will also be checking for winds and weather conditions leading up to the burn. 

South Fork Preserve and the parking lot will be closed during the burn (signs will be placed) and smoke may be visible at times. Thank you for your understanding as our Open Space Program helps reduce hazardous fuel, rejuvenates the soil and improves the habitat at South Fork Preserve. If you have questions, please contact Tracie Reynolds at: treynolds@cityofdavis.org.