Prescribed Burn, Merrimac Preserve

Yesterday evening, a prescribed burn was conducted on the Merrimac Preserve which is located just east of Roznos Meadow on the southeast corner of Devil’s Lake State Park. Smoke from the fire was visible from Devil’s Lake and the city of Baraboo. It’s that season again!

Prairies are an important part of Wisconsin’s natural ecosystem, shaping plant communities, the landscape, and even the climate. Before European settlement, wildfires were much more common in Wisconsin. Started by either lightning strikes or indigenous people who sometimes used fire as tools in hunting and war. Back then, the fires could burn uninterrupted for days and consume thousands of acres. However, decades of human activity and land use changes have led to the loss of many of Wisconsin’s prairies, leaving them degraded and fragmented. To help restore these ecosystems, conservation organizations and land managers often use prescribed burns. These burns can help mimic the natural fires that once occurred, promoting the growth of native species and maintaining healthy plant communities.

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Benefits of Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns are controlled fires that are intentionally set in natural areas, such as prairies, to help manage the ecosystem. These burns are typically conducted in the spring or fall when the weather conditions are optimal for the safety and effectiveness of the burn. Prescribed burns can help remove excess plant material, reduce invasive species, and promote the growth of native plants. By doing so, they create a healthier environment for native wildlife to thrive.

Additional Advantages of Prescribed Burns

In addition to benefiting the ecosystem, prescribed burns also have other advantages. For example, they can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires by removing excess fuel and creating fire breaks. They can also help reduce the risk of flooding by increasing the soil’s ability to absorb water.

Other Techniques Used in Prairie Restoration

Prescribed burns are just one of the many tools used in prairie restoration. Other techniques include planting native species, removing invasive species, and managing grazing patterns. By combining these methods, land managers can help restore degraded prairies to their former beauty and ecological significance.

Organizations Involved in Prairie Restoration

Several organizations in Wisconsin are actively involved in prairie restoration efforts. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conducts prescribed burns on public lands throughout the state. The Nature Conservancy has been working to protect and restore Wisconsin’s prairies for decades. The Aldo Leopold Foundation, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has a prairie restoration program that includes prescribed burns. Additionally, private companies such as Adaptive Restoration LLC, based in southern Wisconsin, specialize in prairie restoration projects throughout the state.

Getting Involved in Prairie Restoration

Getting involved in prairie restoration efforts is a great way to protect Wisconsin’s natural heritage. Supporting prescribed burns and other management techniques helps restore these ecosystems and promote the growth of native plant and animal species. If you’re interested in participating in prescribed burns, training is required to become a certified burn manager. Organizations such as the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council offer training programs, which involve classroom training and field experience. There are many other ways to get involved in prairie restoration efforts as well, such as volunteering with local conservation organizations or supporting funding initiatives for restoration projects.

Prescribed burns and prairie restoration efforts are critical to maintaining Wisconsin’s natural heritage and the many plant and animal species that depend on it. By supporting these efforts, we can help ensure that these ecosystems will be preserved for generations to come.

Learn More

Wisconsin DNR – Prescribed Burns
Wisconsin DNR Fire Management Dashboard
UW Arboretum – Fire
Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council