Burning sets back succession just like a natural fire does. It is beneficial for many species of wildlife, including quail, deer, and turkeys. Burning helps control woody vegetation, releases nutrients to the soil, and increases seed germination and herbaceous vegetation, including legumes and grasses. Controlled burning can simulate natural, lightning-caused fires that are required to regenerate and maintain longleaf forests. For more information see Extension Service publication AG-457, Wildlife and Prescribed Burning .
Burns also help the development of oaks in hardwood forests.
Much of the predominantly oak forest present today is thought to be a result of repeated fires, grazing, and cutting practices throughout the past 200 years. A prescribed fire in a hardwood stand kills the undesirable, thin-barked tree species, such as red maple, and gives the oaks a chance to develop and dominate the stand. This reduces the need for herbicides to control the undergrowth. Through this program, you can learn to use prescribed burns safely to remove undesirable vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat in your forest. Den and Mast Tree Selection .