The prescribed burns will take place near highways 

Motorists in southeastern Minnesota may see smoke from prescribed burns in the coming weeks along various highways, according to a Minnesota Department of Transportation news release.

Several prescribed burns are scheduled this spring as weather conditions allow. The areas will begin in the next few weeks, weather permitting. Areas scheduled for burns this spring are the following:

• Interstate 35 near Clarks Grove and near the Iowa border.

• Highway 52 near Harmony and Canton

• Highway 56 by and near Rose Creek and Le Roy

• Interstate 90 near Eyota

• Highway 218 by and near Austin and Owatonna

Trained prescribed burn crews monitor these efforts. Burning is done to promote native prairie vegetation growth and to control weeds and brush.

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

The news release states fire promotes tall native grasses and other plants 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, which saves taxpayer money.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.