We have officially entered into prescribed burn season in Forest Park, through April 2025. The priority burn locations for the 2025-2026 burn season are listed below on the map and include Deer Lake Savanna, Successional Forest, Klein Prairie, the woodland north of Steinberg Skating Rink construction zone in the Glade, Wildlife Island and the Langenberg Riparian Buffer.
Forest Park Forever, in partnership with the City of St. Louis, are happy to report that we have had 15 years of successful prescribed burns. Our data indicates that our ability to repeatedly and consistently burn in a habitat directly correlates to the habitat’s diversity and overall good health. Each time we complete a prescribed burn, we continue to support and progress the natural communities in Forest Park.
Prescribed Burn Process
- A contractor will perform the prescribed burns, potentially up to 2 days in duration, with the guidance of Forest Park Forever.
- A St. Louis Fire Department representative will be present or in close contact throughout the entire process. In addition to the Fire Department’s support, Forest Park Forever and the contractor will also coordinate with the Parks Department, Health Department and local alderpersons.
- Trails and small sections of Forest Park roads may be closed for short durations within or directly adjacent to burn sites. Impacted trails, sidewalks and roads will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
- When conditions are favorable for burning, we will send you a notice. Notice may be less than 24 hours in advance due to strict parameters around weather conditions.
- Amy Witt, Forest Park Forever Ecologist, is the primary contact for prescribed burns in Forest Park. Questions or concerns may be emailed to forestparkburnteam@forestparkforever.org
Why Controlled Burns? As a management tool, controlled burning provides several benefits to our natural systems within the Park. Want to learn more? Visit https://www.forestparkforever.org/conservation/controlled-burning.
Keep updated with the latest controlled burns happening in the Park at https://www.forestparkforever.org/burn-alert.
Please feel free to contact Anne Grossmann, Vice President, Community Initiatives with any questions.