Within the next few weeks, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will begin installing or conducting maintenance on a shaded fuel break within a portion of Hielscher Tract Greenbelt near your home. The work will be conducted by a City of Austin contractor and may take several weeks to complete.
The purpose of the project is to reduce the production of heat and flaming embers during a potential wildfire. As part of the project, brush and small trees, lower limbs, dead wood, and invasive tree species within 60 feet of the property boundary will be removed. Large trees and canopy will remain. For a home that has been prepared and maintained with FireWise principles, this can help improve the home’s survivability during a wildfire.
For more information about how you can protect yourself and your home from wildfire, please visit https://www.austintexas.gov/department/wildfire or contact the Austin Fire Department Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator, at 512-974-0199 or Justice.Jones@austintexas.gov. For more information about this project or Austin Parks and Recreation natural areas, feel free to contact me at 512-974-6770 or matt.mccaw@austintexas.gov.
Thank you,
Matt McCaw
Land Management Program
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
