Harmony Headlands: Prescribed Burn May Close Trail

Heads up if you were planning on stopping by Harmony Headlands State Park in San Luis Obispo County over the next two weeks. Officials have announced a plan to perform a one-day prescribed burn within the small park sometime between Tuesday, November 12 and Friday, November 22.

"The primary focus of this burn is to encourage the native perennial bunch grass and wildflower populations, reduce seed availability of exotic Italian thistle, and to re-introduce a natural fire return interval to the ecosystem," explained a press release from California State Parks.

Only a timeframe is announced because weather, wind, and brush conditions must meet certain criteria before the burn may commence. When it does take place, it will occur between 10 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. that day. Smoke could be visible from Highway 1 and the communities of Cayucos, Harmony, and Cambria.

Officials said the Headlands Trail, an easy 4.5-mile route to the ocean and back, may close the day of burn. Hikers should take personal health into consideration if smoke is present when visiting.

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