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Wilderness Park Fires In New Tampa To Mimic Nature

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

NEW TAMPA - Some 500 acres of wild land will go up in flames over the next three months as part of a plan to mimic Mother Nature.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, which owns Flatwoods Park and the Oak Ridge Equestrian areas in the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area, will burn periodically between now and January, said district spokeswoman Robyn Felix.

The property is off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

The object of the burns is to mimic fire's natural cycles under controlled circumstances, said district land manager Kevin W. Love. By burning, the district can avoid wildfires and enhance the area's natural conditions, maintaining wildlife and plant communities.

Felix said every effort will be made to keep smoke away from homes and highways, but drivers should exercise caution.

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