Dear Prairie Crossing Residents,

Due to updated regulations from the Illinois EPA, the Prairie Crossing HOA can no longer maintain a single, blanket burn permit for the community. Moving forward, any homeowner wishing to conduct a prescribed burn on their property must apply for an individual state permit.

What You Need to Know

• Cost: The permit is free.

• Processing Window: It takes 30–90 days for the IL EPA to issue a permit.

• Expiration: Permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Dave Eubanks says that historically applying in August should ensure your permit arrives in 30-45 days for a Fall burn, while providing coverage through next Spring if autumn weather doesn't cooperate.

Upcoming Event: Burn School & Application Workshop

To help everyone navigate this new requirement, we are providing hands-on support ahead of the upcoming burn seasons.

• Date: Saturday, August 22nd

• Location: Victoria Post Ranney Environmental Library on the PCCS campus - Please note MeadowMix listed this incorrectly as being next door in the Byron Colby Barn.

• Schedule:

  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Burn School (for those who have never attended or would like a refresher)

  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Permit Application Assistance (please bring a laptop or tablet if at all possible.)

New Day-of-Burn Requirement Our website forms will be updated to reflect these new rules. On the day you plan to burn, you must submit the online website notification by 9:00 AM and confirm that your individual EPA permit has been officially approved.

While this adds a bit of extra planning to our normal routine, adhering to this new state-mandated process keeps our community compliant and our native prairie healthy.

We look forward to seeing you on August 22nd!