More Burns, More Growth with Sustainability in Mind

By City of Madison Engineering Division Landscape Architect Sarah Lerner 

Seeing more prescribed burns this year? It might be due to the Stormwater Utility's requirements for native plant establishment in new developments. In addition to Madison Parks and Engineering prescribed burns on city-owned property, Engineering also requires developers to conduct prescribed burns at certain locations. This is part of recent efforts to improve establishment of native vegetation prior to accepting public ponds and greenways.  Fire is a key component of establishing and maintaining native ecosystems.  

In January 2025, the Stormwater Utility adopted the Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan, which provides a framework for vegetation management with the goal of improving stormwater function, water quality, flood resilience, and biodiversity.  

This plan is part of the City of Madison's commitment to sustainability and one of the City's 2025 Sustainability Wins. A recommendation of this plan requires improved establishment of native vegetation within public stormwater green infrastructure, including ponds, greenways, and infiltration and bio-infiltration basins. Prescribed burning is an integral component to native plant establishment.  

Prairies, savannas, and woodlands in southern Wisconsin were historically shaped by fire and many of our native plants are dependent on fire as a natural disturbance. This disturbance improves growing conditions, increases seed germination, and reduces competition by undesirable vegetation.   

Ecological restoration and management practices, including prescribed burning, are yet another example of Madison's commitment to sustainability.  

Learn more about Engineering's approach to prescribed burns.