ManagementPrescribed BurnsMany of the refuges in the Refuge System use prescribed fire to achieve desired habitat conditions. At Forsythe we use fire to control Phragmites. This plant grows so fast and densely that it chokes off the productivity of marshes. The burning is done to improve the quality of wildlife habitats. Fire removes dry, dead plant matter that has built up over the years, opening up space for new plant growth and providing better cover and food for wildlife. The burn allows nutrients locked up in the dried plants to be returned to the soil to be used by new plants. It also provides better viewing of the impoundments for birders. Six years ago the dikes were covered with Phragmites. Also, the islands benefit because more wetland species are able to use the islands.
The window of time prescribed burning is permitted is December through March. The burning is concluded before many species begin nesting. Typically, wildlife leave areas being burned as soon as they sense the fire. The signals wildlife respond to include: sight, sound, smell and increased temperature. Wildlife benefits of prescribed burns are observed immediately after the fire. Predators such as northern harriers, great blue herons and red foxes are the first to reap the benefits as prey species such as meadow voles, snakes and frogs move across a burned area with no concealing cover. Within days, new plant growth begins to emerge. Within weeks, little or no sign of the fire remains and herbivores dine on tender young plants. The long term benefit of the improved habitat far outweighs any individual sacrifice caused by the fire. A prescribed burn is a managed fire conducted under a special set of guidelines for weather and safety, called a prescription, designed prior to the burn. Specific weather and site conditions are required to control the extent and intensity of the fire as well as manage smoke. If these conditions are not present, the burn will not take place. Burns are conducted by refuge staff trained and certified in fire fighting. Local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and state natural resource offices are informed of the burn and remain on stand-by. StaffIf you have any questions for a staff member, please send your e-mail to forsythe@fws.gov. Your message will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member. Comprehensive Conservation PlanVisit the Refuge Planning page to learn more about our Comprehensive Conservation Plan, completed in 2004. |
Last updated:
September 15, 2009
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