The client is attempting to establish longleaf pine habitat on a site formerly used as a sand pine plantation. The recently planted longleaf pine stand was facing significant competition from sand pines regenerating from the on site seed bank. The goal of this project was to perform a prescribed burn to eliminate competition to the longleaf and improve the habitat for wildlife.

We prescribed burned 130 acres of the client's property. This action eliminated much of the herbaceous competition and a significant amount of the sand pine seedlings.

The prescribed burn was completed successfully in spite of the relatively low amount of natural fuels. Competing vegetation to the longleaf pines was significantly reduced. Native grasses and forbs were burned back, which will provide a flush of fresh browse for wildlife later in the year.