Prescribed burn at Circle B Bar Reserve will shut down another trail for part of Thursday

Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division will conduct a 20-acre prescribed burn Thursday at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland.

During the prescribed burn, a portion of the Eagle Roost trail, which is located near the uplands on the southern half of property, will be closed to the public, the county said in a news release. It is expected to reopen later Thursday.

The prescribed burn is being conducted for ecological purposes, the release said. Prescribed burns protect conservation lands from uncontrolled wildfires and support the health of Polk County's ecosystems. Polk County Parks and Natural Resources routinely conducts prescribed burns to maintain the health and ecological function of natural areas. To learn more about prescribed burns as a land management tool, visit Polk’s Nature Discovery Center and explore hands-on interactive exhibits.

Alligators:Among the state's most alligator-filled lakes, Polk County shows up a lot. Surprise? Nah

All prescribed burns are subject to being postponed or canceled due to weather or other factors.

Circle B reopened this week after being closed for nearly a week because of flooding from Hurricane Debby. Two popular trails, Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run, remained closed as of Tuesday for alligator nesting season.