Prescribed burn along Highway 52 east of Harmony Tuesday

(ABC 6 News) – MnDOT crews will be conducting a prescribed burn along Highway 52 east of Harmony today. Drivers should be prepared to drive in smoke and watch out for crews.

Motorists on Hwy 52 between Harmony and Canton in Fillmore County will see warning signs as they approach the burn areas warning of the potential of smoke. Motorists should be attentive and watch for the burn crews, who are monitoring these efforts.

Healthy roadside vegetation is necessary for preventing weed infestations, controlling erosion, protecting water quality, and keeping roadways safe. Fire is an important aspect of vegetation management because many types of plants need fire for ideal growth. It’s used in combination with mowing, herbicide application, biological control and planting in MnDOT’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program.

Fire promotes tall native grasses and forbs that can trap blowing snow and can reduce drifting across the road. Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed.

Motorists should be alert for future burning efforts in southeast Minnesota. If weather conditions are good, future prescribed burns are planned this season for:

• Interstate 90 near Dresbach
• Hwy 56 south of Kenyon
• Interstate 90 southwest of Eyota
• Hwy 56 west of LeRoy

For more information visit MnDOT’s prescribed fire vegetation management program website.