The Village of Riverside will once again be implementing ecological prescription burning in the selected natural areas highlighted on the map below. Prescribed fire will be applied in a skillful manner to vegetative fuels in our woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands to better manage and restore the natural landscape. The primary objective is to favor native vegetation and discourage the establishment of invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard along the Des Plaines River. Native vegetation has long been modified and maintained by fire. In fact, the Village has been utilizing this management technique for many years and appreciates the importance of informing the public regarding the use of prescribed fire to maintain native plantings.
Generally, prescribed burns will take place in early spring or late fall when weather conditions are favorable. Smoke management is the primary consideration and wind direction will also dictate the location selected for the prescribed burn. Due to the last minute timing associated with ever changing weather conditions, the village would like to develop a contact list to provide daily notification to residents with health conditions impacted by smoke in their area. This will allow us to inform residents with serious health issues and avoid any potential inconvenience.
If you have a significant health issue near the areas specified, the Department of Public Works would like to provide additional notification the morning of the burn. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 708-442-3590 and provide your email and telephone information so we can keep you informed. Email is the preferable method of notification but other options are available. We appreciate your willingness to cooperate and your flexibility to help maintain and improve our natural landscape.