Controlled Burn Benefits

The Benefits of a Controlled Burn

The scene immediately after a controlled burn is a bit much for some to take. The charred leaves and / or grass land appears like something out of a war or horror movie. Local parks and state nature preserves will set fire to certain areas during the spring. Read on to find out why they do it.

Why would a perfectly good forest floor or grassy prairie be set on fire?

While fire is often viewed as destructive but the truth is that it is a necessary part of nature. Many habitats in Ohio rely on fire to maintain them. Without occasional fire grasslands and wooded areas become overgrown. Many times the extra growth are non-native plants and shrubs that choke out the native vegetation.

Occasional fire keeps things in check. It burns away the dead material which allows new growth to take over. Burns also kill the non-native plants which are intolerant to the fire. The deep-rooted native plants are capable of withstanding the heat and are not affected.

Benefits outweigh the blackness

The benefits of a natural fire far outweigh the temporary charred-earth appearance. The black only lasts for a week or two but the benefits of the controlled burn last much longer. Among them are:

Nutrient recycling
Helps with seed germination by exposing soil to the sun earlier in the year.
Controls non-native plants and invasion of woody plants
Maintains natural habitats that some rare species rely on (such as the karner blue butterfly)

Controlled burns have been around for centuries

Fire has been used historically by native Americans as well as early settlers. The Native Americans understood fire's importance in maintaining their hunting grounds and habitats. Early settlers used it to clear land.

In the early 1900s fire suppression was adopted. This was an invitation to non-native and invasive plants to take over many prairies and forest areas.

So the next time you see a charred forest or prairie in the spring or fall be thankful that these natural areas are being cared for. The end result is a healthier, more natural area for native plant and animal species to thrive.

Return from controlled burn to habitat restoration

NW Ohio Nature Oak Leaf

The Benefits of a Controlled Burn

Why would a perfectly good forest floor or grassy prairie be set on fire?

Benefits outweigh the blackness

Controlled burns have been around for centuries

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