Different plant communities are created with fire than with other types of disturbance, which increases diversity. Native legumes regenerate especially well after a fire. Fire quickly releases nutrients that were tied up in the vegetation, so sprouting forbs and legumes have fertilizer. Contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Before attempting to use fire, be sure to contact your state forestry department for information on local and state burning regulations, as well as smoke management.
Many departments also conduct prescribed burns for landowners for a reasonable fee.
Click here . We'd like to hear from you. Your message will be posted to our bulletin board. First published February 2000.