Prescribed Burning is defined as the controlled application of fire to existing naturally occurring fuels under specified environmental conditions following appropriate precautionary measures. It is an essential and effective land management tool used at MIESF and throughout the southeast. Burning is used to properly manage forest stands and wildlife, help conserve certain endangered or threatened plant and animal species, and to lessen the potential damage from wildfire.

In managing established forest stands, burning is used to remove undesirable species of woody plants that compete for the same nutrients and water as do desirable species. Burning speeds up the decay process of dead and downed plant material and supplies nutrients to the soil. Burning is also used to establish new stands of trees by preparing seedbeds for natural regeneration or mechanical planting.

When used for wildlife management, in stand burning promotes the growth of grasses and legumes that provide food for animals. Burning can also increase the browse (twigs, leaves, shoots and buds of woody plants eaten by deer) and create openings for travel and feeding areas.

Conservation of certain endangered plant and animal species is dependent on fire. At MIESF the Schweinitz’s Sunflower needs fire to reduce competition and to allow full sunlight. In other parts of the state the red-cockaded woodpecker relies on fire for its habitat.

By reducing the forest fuels prescribed burning can reduce the intensity of naturally occurring wildfires and thus the economic loss of timber and other resources.

Many things are taken into consideration before a burn at MIESF is started. A survey of the area is taken and a Burning Plan is written for the area. Firelines are installed to keep the burn controlled. Wind direction, humidity, fuel moisture and temperatures are taken into consideration and constantly monitored the day the burn is conducted. Smoke management also is taken into consideration so as not to endanger the public or cause a nuisance.