Motorists traveling on Interstate 90 west of Jackson near the Minnesota Department of Transportation rest areas may see smoke from crews conducting a prescribed burn on Wednesday, according to MnDOT.
The eastbound I-90 Clear Lake and the westbound I-90 Des Moines River rest areas will remain open to the public during the burn. Motorists will encounter signs as they approach the burn area warning of the potential of smoke. Motorists should be attentive, slow down and watch for the burn crew, who are monitoring these efforts. There is no need for motorists to call the fire department when they see a prescribed burn that’s being attended to by a burn crew. Prescribed burns are scheduled during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
MnDOT performs the prescribed burning of grassland vegetation along many roadsides, which provides for optimal vegetation health. Healthy roadside vegetation provides safer clear zones, stabilizes soil, conveys runoff and treats stormwater runoff. Healthy roadside vegetation also provides additional benefits such as preserving populations of rare species and making roadsides more attractive. Fire also promotes tall native grasses and forbs that trap blowing snow and prevent it from drifting across the road. Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed.
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