MONTGOMERY-Since humans first appeared, fire has played a role in our development. We have used fire to stay warm, cook food, form metal and clear landscapes. Fire can be a useful tool or a dangerous one if handled irresponsibly. Today, foresters, wildlife biologists and land managers use prescribed burning to remove “waste” on an area and release native grasses/forbs that provide forage and attract wildlife.
To benefit wildlife, prescribed burn objectives include improving habitats for deer, turkey, quail and numerous other species. Many wildlife habitats can be improved by setting back succession, the natural changes land goes through if there is no alteration. For example, a fallow field burned on a set frequency maintains its value for wildlife over time. If the fallow field is not regularly burned, its value as wildlife habitat will decrease as non-beneficial plants invade the area. Objectives of prescribed fire include reducing fuels, controlling competing vegetation, improving forage for feeding, improving accessibility, enhancing appearance and helping fire-dependent species.
With guidance from wildlife and forestry professionals, a landowner can better determine if a dormant season burn, growing season
Prescribed burning is one way to manipulate habitat for wildlife.
burn, or a combination of both are needed. A dormant season (fall-winter) burn will maintain the grasses and forbs at the ground layer needed by numerous wildlife species. If conditions are such that understory and midstory vegetation is too thick, a growing season (spring-summer) burn may be needed to remove some of the midstory vegetation and open up the ground layer to allow herbaceous plants to thrive.
Prescribed burning holds certain advantages over mechanical and chemical removal of unwanted vegetation in an area. Burning is relatively inexpensive and can cover a large area in a shorter amount of time. Burning also puts nitrogen back into the soil, which is essential for quality vegetation growth. Mechanical removal, such as mowing, disking or chopping requires expenses for equipment and will require more time to treat areas. Chemical removal of unwanted vegetation involves the cost of chemicals and equipment and may require multiple treatments.
Prescribed burning requires more manpower, preparation, and can only be performed during certain times of the year to obtain the desired objective. There are also more safety concerns with prescribed burning. A burn manager must consider weather conditions such as wind and humidity before, during and after the burn. Burn managers also have to consider what effects the wind will have on smoke from the fire hours after the burn has been completed. Location of a burn in relation to an urban area or highway must also be considered.
Burn manager certification courses are offered throughout Alabama to teach the Alabama prescribed burn laws and the fine details and considerations that go into proper burn preparation, smoke management and execution.
Application of prescribed fire in wildlife habitats continues to be one of the most cost effective and efficient tools available to landowners and land managers. Harnessing the power of nature through the wise use of fire will enhance landscapes that benefit many wildlife species. Please continue to carry the torch!
For more information on prescribed burning in Alabama, contact Casey Norris, Wildlife Biologist, 30571 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527. Call 251-626-5474 or email casey.norris@dcnr.alabama.gov.
MEDIA RELEASE/Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources /Casey Norris, Wildlife Biologist
