Prescribed Burn of Dormant Vegetation at NTMWD Wetland - December 2025 Through February 2026
Critical management tool of the Wetland benefitting the natural filtration process
This month, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will begin its annual maintenance to address brush and excessive vegetative thatch with prescribed burns at the East Fork Water Reuse Project (Wetland) in Kaufman County.
The prescribed burns will be conducted over multiple days beginning in December and continuing through February 2026. The timing and conclusion of the prescribed burns will depend on local weather conditions.
The prescribed burns may be visible in the area surrounding the Wetland, which is located north and south of Highway 175 in an area generally bound by FM 1389 (Kaufman St.), FM 3039 (Old Hwy. 5), Lewis St., and the East Fork of the Trinity River.
Performing prescribed burns is a critical management tool of the Wetland and provides many benefits for the natural filtering process of river water by the plants. Burns reduce brush and excessive cattail thatch that inhibit new plant growth and remove major water-consuming plants like willows. The burns promote a unique, vibrant plant community that improves water flow through the Wetland and supports water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, and diversity.
These annual burns are controlled and safely conducted according to strict guidelines. NTMWD coordinates these activities with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, local fire departments, and police.
The Wetland uses aquatic plants and sunlight to naturally filter water diverted from the Trinity River and East Fork of the Trinity River. As Wetland vegetation goes through its annual life cycle, it creates a layer of thatch that accumulates over time. Prescribed burning is a critical management tool to address accumulated vegetative thatch and invasive woody vegetation. The naturally filtered water is then pumped north to Lavon Lake and eventually treated for distribution to NTMWD Member Cities and Customers.