Land Stewardship >> Prescribed Burns

Prescribed Burns

For the second consecutive year the Land Conservancy used prescribed burns (www.mifirecouncil.org) at select nature preserves to maintain and enhance the natural, native ecosystem. Fire is an essential natural process in many Michigan ecosystems such as prairies, wetlands and woodlands. In the absence of fire, many fire-intolerant plant species outcompete the native, fire-adapted plants resulting in areas thick with invasive plants and with little biological diversity.

The Land Conservancy held prescribed burns at three nature preserves. The exciting results of the burns are already evident:

Maas Family Nature Preserve

2009 was the second year we held a prescribed burn at the Maas Preserve. The goal was to reduce the invasive spotted knapweed and promote to vitality of native plants, such as wild lupine. The lupine is the host plant for the Karner blue butterfly, a federally endangered species.

The results: This May there was a magnificent carpet of wild blue lupine at the preserve. Field biologists are monitoring the Karner blue butterfly population and the effects of the burn look promising for a population increase.

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve

Grattan Township Fire Department volunteered their services for the second year in a row to help us burn the prairie restoration area at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve.

The results: Within the area that has been planted in prairie species, the native grasses are thriving and there are fewer non-native grasses. Also, an area near the main trail consisting of exotic brome grass was burned in preparation for a fall planting.

Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve

This beautiful hidden jewel needed a fire to set back the woody invasive species and promote the growth of the rare native wildflowers. This spring through support of Grand Rapids City Commissioners, Grand Rapids Fire Department, and The Nature Conservancy the first prescribed fire was conducted on one acre of the most critical habitat.

The burn was lead by LCWM’s partner, The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Certified wildland firefighters from LCWM and TNC followed the guidelines of Grand Rapids’ new prescribed fire ordinance. These guidelines were developed through the cooperation of the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council. A “prescription” was developed to ensure the burn was conducted in only the parameters that would prevent smoke from affecting adjacent landowners and ensure the utmost safety for everyone involved.

The results: Spring plant inventories showed our ecological goals were achieved!