Both the forested and field areas that were burned every two or three years contained significantly more Henslow's and Bachman's sparrows than similar areas that remained unburned for four or more years. Peason Ridge is an area that is burned nearly annually, due to wildfires resulting from live fire exercises conducted by the army. On Peason Ridge, nearly 300 Henslow's Sparrows have been banded over the last four years. Our data show that ground litter depth is an important factor in determining if a Henslow's or Bachman's Sparrow occurs in an area. Also, the build up of pine needles and dead grass makes movement through the grass difficult for the sparrows.
Fire removes the litter, matted grass, and pine needles.
Our data indicates that an interval of 2 or 3 years between prescribed fires is needed to maintain high quality habitat for the sparrows. The banding program on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge lends credence to our data. Hundreds of Henslow's Sparrows have been banded on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in an open pine forest that is burned routinely. Many environmentally minded people voice concerns about government agencies cutting too many trees. However, few people are concerned about the limited prescribed burning being done.