Controlled burns planned in March

Several controlled burns will be conducted in the Cherokee National Forest from March 13-16, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Forest service crews will conduct the prescribed burns in several locations in Monroe, Polk, Johnson, Unicoi and Cocke counties as weather conditions permit. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas.

Controlled burns are used in the Cherokee National Forest for several reasons including, hazardous fuel reduction, site preparation and wildlife habitat.

Hazardous fuel reduction involves burning an area under favorable conditions, removing fuels, such as grass, leaves, brush, downed trees and pine needles. This decreases the amount of vegetation that is available to burn during a wildfire.

With site preparation, certain types of vegetation that compete for light, moisture and nutrients are reduced, as certain trees cannot tolerate shady conditions created by other species. Controlled burns also reduce leaf litter on forest floors which often prevents seed germination for natural reproduction of desirable vegetation, including native grasses.

Lastly, controlled burns promote new sprout and herbaceous growth that serves as beneficial food and cover for many animals, improving wildlife habitats.

For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/ cherokee.