Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan
Prescribed Ecological Burns
“Why burn?” Fire used to be a regular and frequent component of our landscape here in southern Michigan. Many of our local ecosystems such as prairies, dry oak-hickory woodlands, and certain wetlands burned frequently. The fire stimulated many of the deep-rooted plant species to grow more vigorously, and discouraged others that were not adapted to fire’s heat.
Today, many non-native, invasive plant species have encroached on our natural fire-adapted ecosystems, decreasing the diversity of native plants and animals. By bringing fire back to a site, we can begin to give the competitive advantage back to the native species and restore the site to its former ecological health.
Burning in late winter or early spring can stimulate early greening of the burned areas. The fire not only clears out alien plants but it also warms the soil, promoting early regrowth of a garden's native perennials such as big bluestem, switchgrass, purple and yellow coneflower, blackeyed susan, milkweed, coreopsis, bergamot, asters, heliopsis, and phlox.
A prescribed burn is safe. Burns are done with the cooperation and approval of the Pittsfield Fire Department. There are strict guidelines for the weather conditions, personnel, equipment, and other parameters needed for the burn to be conducted safely. Prior to burning, workers create “burn breaks” around the area to be burned to help control the fire. The burn is then done in a slow and deliberate manner, with safety equipment on hand to monitor and control its spread.
on Nov. 21, 2008 2:57 am
