Prescribed Burn Planned for Florida State Park

Up to 500 acres of pine flatwoods to be burned over 2 days at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a pine flatwoods forest shrouded in hazy smoke, conveying the scale and power of a prescribed burn through dramatic lighting and deep perspective.A prescribed burn in a Florida state park aims to restore the natural balance of the pine flatwoods ecosystem.Hobe Sound Today

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is planning a prescribed burn of up to 500 acres of pine flatwoods at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, Florida. The burn is scheduled to take place on April 16 and April 17, with temporary trail closures expected during the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. burn times.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management practice used to mimic natural fire cycles, restore healthy ecosystems, reduce undergrowth, and decrease the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires. This burn will help maintain the park's pine flatwoods habitat and provide benefits to native wildlife.

The details

The prescribed burn will take place near the picnic area and horse trails at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Temporary closures are expected on the Kitching Creek Nature Trail, multi-use trail, and horse trail areas during the burn. Prescribed burning is used to restore natural communities, reduce accumulated undergrowth, and decrease the potential for larger wildfires.

  • The prescribed burn is scheduled for April 16 and April 17, 2026.
  • The burn will take place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on both days.

The players

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The state agency responsible for managing Florida's state parks and natural resources, including conducting prescribed burns to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

A 11,500-acre state park located in Hobe Sound, Florida, known for its pine flatwoods, coastal scrub, and riverine habitats.

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The takeaway

Prescribed burns are an essential tool for managing Florida's fire-adapted ecosystems, helping to reduce wildfire risk, promote biodiversity, and maintain the health of state parks like Jonathan Dickinson. This burn demonstrates the state's ongoing commitment to responsible land management practices.