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Changes in Biological Communities
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Fire Management
Many reserves manage habitat that require fire to survive. Fire management through prescribed burns is particularly challenging as these areas often are located near development. Many reserves manage these fire dependent habitats and monitor habitat and species recovery.
Stewardship Stories
Prescribed Burning Program
Reserves: |
Apalachicola Reserve, FL |
Time Period: |
Ongoing |
Partners: |
The Nature Conservancy, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Division of Forestry
Primary Issues: Habitat loss |
Primary Issues: |
Restore, manage |
Strategies: |
Restore |
Abstract: |
Reserve staff conduct Prescribed Burning on Reserve managed lands through the use of highly trained burn staff and with the help of our partners. Burning is the single most effective tool for restoration of Florida's many pyro-genic natural communities. Fire suppression in the last century has resulted in the loss of species and healthy habitat as found in Pre-columbian times. The reserve's burning program has resulted in increased populations of listed plant species on the lands it manages.
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Submitted by: |
Roy Ogles |
Effects of fire on water quality, plant production, and biogenic accretion in a Juncus roemerianus dominated marsh.
Reserves: |
Grand Bay Reserve, MS |
Time Period: |
Feb 2008 - Jan 2010 |
Partners: |
University of Alabama |
Primary Issues: |
Sea Level Rise |
Strategies: |
Manage |
Abstract: |
The University of Alabama and Grand Bay Reserve received funds through Sea Grant to examine the effects of fire on water quality, plant production, and biogenic accretion in a Juncus roemerianus dominated marsh. This 2-year project started in 2008. The objective of the project is to examine how fire influences the physicochemistry, plant growth, and rates of biogenic accretion in a coastal marsh ecosystem. In addition, the project is designed to evaluate the capacity of fire to consume natural and anthropogenic debris remaining after severe storm events. The resulting data will provide key insights into the effectiveness of prescribed burning as a management strategy to offset sea-level rise and remove hurricane debris.
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Submitted by: |
Chris May |
Last Updated on: Friday, October 23, 2009
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