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Motorists on Highway 218 south of Austin may see smoke from crews burning roadside vegetation on Thursday, March 13, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Signs will be along the road as motorists approach the burn area warning of the potential of smoke from the prescribed burn. Motorists should be attentive, slow down and watch for the burn crews, who are monitoring these efforts. Prescribed burns are scheduled during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

MnDOT performs the prescribed burning of grassland vegetation along many roadsides, which provides for optimal vegetation health. Healthy roadside vegetation provides safer clear zones, stabilizes soil, carries water runoff and treats stormwater runoff.  Healthy roadside vegetation also provides additional benefits such as preserving populations of rare species and making roadsides more attractive. Fire promotes tall native grasses and forbs that trap blowing snow and prevent it from drifting across the road. Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed.