Motorists in southeastern Minnesota may see smoke from prescribed burns throughout May along various highways, including 218 between Austin and Owatonna and 56 between LeRoy and Rose Creek.

Traffic should not be affected and all highways will remain open during the burns.

Trained prescribed burn crews monitor the burns, which promote native prairie vegetation growth and control weeds and brush.

The burns are scheduled during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed.

Other prescribed burn locations include: Highway 14 west of Claremont, Highway 52 near Harmony and Canton, Interstate 90 near Eyota, wetland restoration near Hokah and a wetland restoration near Ellendale.