PHOTO by GABBY5
CEMETERY POINT PARK TEMPORARILY
LESS GREEN BUT SAFER AND HEALTHIER…
AND SOON AGAIN GREEN
October 7, 2014
If you happen by Cemetery Point Park and the cemetery’s periphery, you will note the wall of brush, vines, palmettos, and non-native scrub gone by way of the Florida Forestry Service’s heavy equipment.
Rest assured that the green will return in the spring…healthier and the area will be safer. Florida Forestry Service Senior Ranger, and long time Cedar Key resident, Charles (Todd) Shewey graciously took the time from his supervising labors to walk the Cedar Key News through the park and explain the task of mitigation at hand.
PHOTO by GABBY5
According to Shewey, mitigation eliminates or reduces hazardous accumulations of forest brush and dry debris that might fuel a wildfire and damage or destroy nearby homes and properties. Two phases comprise the mitigation process: the first is mechanical, using heavy equipment to diminish the larger debris: the second is controlled, prescribed, burn.
When this process is completed, land is left so that it can be controlled. Twelve foot walls of brush do not allow air to flow, sun to shine, and without those things, trees cannot flourish. Controlling fires and saving lives and property is central to FFS’s mission.
The FFS mitigation service is free of charge to the City of Cedar Key and to residents who may wish engage in the mitigation process to protect their lands, homes, or properties. All the FFS asks of the municipality or property owner is, after FFS leaves, that they try to keep the area controlled and as fire-treat free as they are able.
This mitigation effort was prompted by Cedar Key Fire Chief Robert Robinson who, recognizing the area was ripe for a blaze, communicated his concerns with FFS. He shepherded the City Commission through the process and arranged for mitigation to take place.
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