Making a Case for Late-Growing Season Prescribed Fire

Description: About 65% of the species and communities tracked by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves occur in disturbance based communities.  Historically, this disturbance came in the form of large grazing mammals, wildfire, or through intentional fires set by Indigenous people.  In order to maintain these remnant natural communities and preserve Kentucky’s natural heritage, the Office regularly uses prescribed fire as a modern disturbance event to setback if asked, when is the best or most common time to burn? What would you say? Many prescribed fire practitioners might say the spring or dormant season. However, there is growing evidence and support for the idea that fire seasonality should be varied to achieve specific objectives. Join Jarred Brooke, Extension Wildlife Specialist, and INPFC Chair, as he describes some of his (and others) research and extension efforts related to making a case for late-growing prescribed fire in Indiana succession and improve site conditions.  This presentation looks at several priority projects OKNP has worked on over the last five years and how fire has been an important tool in preservation and management. This presentation is best suited for students or non-professionals and highlights the importance of disturbance in managing natural areas in Kentucky.

Led by: Josh Lillpop, Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Dates: October 26th, 2023 

Time: 6:00 pm Eastern Time

Duration: 1 hour