Prescribed Burning For Native Grasses
Fire is a cost effective tool to manipulate vegetation
Timing is Critical • What is the growth stage of the desirable and target species. • Winter dormant plants recover faster than drought-stressed plants.
Selective suppression or promotion of a particular plant species depends primarily upon the date of the fire in relation to the phenology of the particular species
Usually, those species actively growing when the area is burned are much more susceptible to injury and death than dormant species or those just initiating growth
The proper time to burn can be based on physiological stages (e.g., root reserves) or morphological stages (e.g., when buds are exposed). A sequence of fires may be necessary to restore grasslands to proper condition.
To control woody plant invasion
Two Primary Types of Prescribed Burns Reclamation: • Vegetation Composition Shifts Maintenance: • Production Increase • Suppression of Undesirable Species • Mulch and Rough Removal
Characteristics of a Reclamation Fire • Hot, More Severe Fires • Usually Difficult to Control • Installed under Harsh Conditions • Risk of Damage to Desirable Species
Characteristics of a Maintenance Fire • Relatively Cool • More Easily Controlled • Installed Under Moderate Conditions • Less Risk of Damage To Desired Species
February 2011 Seabourne Creek
February 11, 2011
Feb 11, 2013
12 days post burn, 2/23/11
19 days post burn 3/2/11
Feb 2013
Species Diversity
Burning under the right conditions is important first for safety then to accomplish your objectives
Factors That Determine a Fire’s Intensity • Fuel quantity and continuity • Air temperature • Relative humidity • Wind speed • Soil moisture • Direction of flame front movement relative to the wind
Native Pasture • Burned in fall to early winter • Controls woody growth and removes summer grasses • Allows winter forbs and grasses to make an early start
Upland Woods Burned December Through January Helps Restore Browse Back Within Reach of Deer and Increases Palatability
Upland Woods Repeated Every 3 to 5 Years Will Prevent Brush From Becoming Too Dense With Low Quality Vegetation
Some Terminology • Mineral line • Black line • Fire line • Head fire • Back fire • Flank fire • Strip head fire
The 40 - 60 Rule
Ignition Patterns
Ignition Patterns
HOW TO BURN
EQUIPMENT • • • • • •
Weather Kit Drip Torch Radios, Walkie-talkies Diesel, Gas, Lighter Flappers, rakes, ect… Water sprayer (backpack, four-wheeler, truck tank • Non flammable clothing, Nomex suits, goggles, gloves, boots
FLAPPER
Portable Water Sprayers
A General Maintenance Prescription • Temp. Between 40 and 80 • Wind speed between 6 and 15 mph and not pushing your smoke where it can cause problems • Humidity between 20 and 60%
Restore Historic Fire Regime • Frequency • Intensity • Timing • Landscape Level – Large Tracts
Any Questions?