Why is prescribed fire important

Oecologia Ford, W. Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions. Gleim, E. The phenology of ticks and the effects of long-term prescribed burning on tick population dynamics in southwestern Georgia and northwestern Florida. Hallisey, D. Prescribed fire in scrub oak habitat in central Pennsylvania.

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Suites of fire-adapted traits of oaks in the southeastern USA: multiple strategies for persistence. Leuenberger, W. McNeil, D. Characteristics of golden-winged warbler territories in plant communities associated with regenerating forest and abandoned agricultural fields. Journal of Field Ornithology Maggard, A. Alabama Cooperative Extension System 5p. Melvin, M. Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils.

Ashville, N. Nowacki, G. The demise of fire and "mesophication" of forests in the eastern United States. BioScience The Pennsylvania Game Commission.

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January 03, Pyne, S. Smith, J. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on fauna. Weir, J. Liability and Prescribed fire: Perception and reality. Let's Stay Connected. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. View our privacy policy. Thank you for your submission! This article introduces private landowners in Pennsylvania to the benefits of prescribed fire, state laws about prescribed fire, the cost of burning, and some of the risks associated with prescribed fire.

What is Prescribed Fire? Where do Prescribed Fires Occur? Benefits of Prescribed Fire Prescribed fire works by enhancing ecological processes and shaping landscape features. Wildlife — Fire plays a significant role in shaping wildlife population health because many species depend on the plant regeneration that follows after a fire.

Fire creates and maintains an open forest structure which allows grasses and forbs to increase, due to increased sunlight. Many wildlife species depend on these herbaceous plants for food as well as many pollinating insects. Without this forage some wildlife will browse heavily on select tree seedlings and impact tree regeneration. Fire also creates early-successional forest structures i. Recent research has found wildlife such as squirrels, wild turkey, and deer even prefer fire-scorched acorns and are attracted to areas that have been recently burned.

Humans may not be the only ones who prefer a cooked meal! The timing of burning is also important for synchronizing with the habitat needs of wildlife. For example, burning in the summer can stimulate the provision of high-quality forage for white-tailed deer in the fall, when females are still lactating and need additional energy. By applying fire at strategic intervals, a mosaic of habitats eventually forms.

These habitats are then used by wildlife for travel, feeding, nesting, and cover. Diverse types of habitats also support biological diversity more broadly, which is needed for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and healthy forests.

Pasture growth — In many natural ecosystems, periodic burning is important for nutrient cycling and stimulating new plant growth. In the past, fire was critical for nutrient cycling in prairie ecosystems where bison once grazed in huge numbers. Fire can increase the availability of many important soil nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen and can increase soil pH.

Burning can stimulate new plant growth in cattle-grazing lands and can be used in crop lands to help cycle nutrients prior to planting. Native plant communities.

Prescribed fire helps maintain many native plant communities, such as those found in prairies and marsh ecosystems. Prescribed fire is also important for maintaining forest communities and important tree species, such as oaks. Invasive species management : Prescribed fire can be used to control noxious weeds in rangelands.

In California, prescribed fire has been shown to be effective for control of late-season invasives like medusahead, yellow starthistle, and barbed goatgrass. Fire is only effective for controlling these plants when it is used at the appropriate time of year, and in some cases, fire may be paired with herbicide or used in subsequent years to be most effective.

Woody encroachment : In many parts of California, woody encroachment by shrubs and trees is a critical threat to the viability of rangelands. Fire was historically used to maintain open grasslands and woodlands, and in the absence of fire, shrubs and trees are taking over. Prescribed fire is an effective tool for killing shrubs and small trees, and for maintaining areas that have not yet been encroached.

Fuels reduction : Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing fuels. Prescribed burning. Prescribed burning videos Check out our latest prescribed burning videos. Articles in this category:. Daily risk monitoring and management. Wednesday, 03 September Indicative burn plans. Wednesday, 04 August Planning for prescribed burning. Prescribed burning videos.

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