Fire has been a natural part of forests’ ecology for years

Fire, whether natural or man-made, has been a natural part of the ecology of southern pine and mixed pine/hardwood forests for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

It's so much the case that many species have become adapted to and are dependent on periodic fires for their survival. Therefore, when properly applied, prescribed fire can produce a positive overall impact on these forest types.

Heralded as one of the most beneficial and cost-effective management tools available to natural resource managers, prescribed fire has been used as a wildlife management tool here in the South since the early 1900s. Today, contemporary wildlife biologists and forest managers use prescribed fire to improve habitat for wildlife as well as improve growing conditions for many southern species of pines.

The effects of prescribed fire on wildlife are mainly indirect and pertain to changes in food resources and available cover. When applied correctly, fire increases quantity and quality of many soft masts and browse while also promoting greater legume and forb production. Indirectly, prescribed fire increases insect populations which are drawn to the new, lush vegetation that appears after a burn. Many species of wildlife, especially young turkey poults and quail chicks, utilize these insects.

From a timber management standpoint, prescribed fire, when properly applied, promotes tree growth by controlling woody competition and recycling vital nutrients back into the soil. Removing woody competition also helps in accessing a stand during timber harvesting operations and aids in reducing the threat of fires.

When planning a burn, it is usually a good management practice to perform the initial burn during the period of December through February. The burn should be conducted under low ambient air temperatures (<60°F), moderate relative humidity (35-45%), and a moderate wind (10-15 mph). When burning, care should be used to avoid smoke sensitive areas such as roads, schools, homes, and hospitals. It is also a good idea to contact your local fire department and let them know of your burn. To help with the burn and to reduce liabilities, oversight of all burning should be administered by someone who is a Certified Burn Manager in Mississippi. To find a Certified Burn Manager in your area, contact your local Mississippi Forestry Commission Office or visit www.mfc.state.ms.us.

After the initial burn, subsequent burns may be conducted on a three to four year frequency in early spring following hardwood “leaf-out” to better control hardwoods and encourage the growth of preferred browse for wildlife. Many grasses and browse will respond to fire with lush re-growth. This re-growth is very palatable and highly nutritious and will be readily utilized by many species of wildlife.

James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.