For Immediate Release – June 5, 2009

AUSTIN - The Austin Water Utility's (AWU) Water Quality Protection Lands Program will conduct a prescribed burn on the Onion Creek Management Unit located approximately 2 ½ miles northeast of the FM 150 and FM 3237 intersection on Monday, June 8th beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The prescribed burn will occur between FM 150 and FM 967 just west of the Ruby Ranch subdivision. Austin Water Utility Fire Management staff will determine on Sunday, June 7th whether or not to proceed with conducting the prescribed burn based on weather forecast data.

The Water Quality Protection Lands were purchased to protect water quality and water quantity reaching the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Research has shown that grasslands and savannas are the most effective vegetation types to meet these goals. The majority of the Water Quality Protection Lands are being restored to grasslands and savannas and this restoration process requires the integration of multiple land management treatments to reduce and maintain the density of juniper and hardwoods. The prescribed burns are typically conducted to manage the density of brush and to encourage the growth of more favorable native grasses.

The prescribed burns are managed by the Austin Water Utility's Water Quality Protection Lands Program in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, the Texas Forest Service and local emergency service districts, including the Buda Fire Department. For more information, please visit www.cityofaustin.org/water/wildland.

Media Contact:
Jill Mayfield
Email to: Jill.Mayfield@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-015o; pgr.(512) 802-8956