Giving Mother Nature a hand

  • Published
  • By Mike Spaits
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Following one of the most successful prescribed burning seasons in Eglin's history, Jackson Guard's Fire Management section is off to a scorching hot start for the FY 2009 burn season. 

"We managed to burn more than 100,000 acres in the FY 2008 season," said James Furman, Fire Management Officer for Eglin Natural Resources branch, "and we're off and running already with over 2,000 acres burned so far." 

Although the word "fire" typically stimulates negative connotations. Everything has a place in nature, and Eglin's natural resources branch is using fire as a tool to help the forest the very same way Mother Nature intended it to be used. 

The base is home to the largest remaining old-growth (mature) longleaf pine forest in the world. Less than three percent of America's original 90 million acres of longleaf forest remains, so Eglin's forests have global importance including the last stand of old growth longleaf pine trees along the Gulf of Mexico. Managing this forest means making sure all the needs of the longleaf ecosystem are met as close to the way nature intended. 

"Prescribed burning is an important tool that we use to manage Eglin's ecosystems," said Mr. Furman."The way we burn mimics the frequent, low intensity fires that occurred in these forests naturally." 

In November, Eglin's Natural Resources Section began this year's prescribed burning of Eglin reservation's longleaf pine forest. The burns will continue until next fall, and managers goal is to complete 70,000 acres annually. 

According to Mr. Furman, fire isn't new to the forest. 

"Years before Eglin ever existed, lightning strikes were the main source of forest fires." The fire eliminates underbrush, reducing fuel buildup that could lead to uncontrollable wild fires. Nutrients from the ash also promote the growth of native plants that provide food for wildlife." 

Since Eglin's plants and animals have experienced fire throughout history, they are adapted to the change that forest fires bring, and many species actually require fire to survive. 

Without fire, non-native plants and animals displace those unique to the longleaf pine forest. The forest changes and many species become in danger of going extinct.
"The real goal here is to help the ecosystem thrive through proven techniques," said Mr. Furman. "By prescribed burning, we help ensure the longleaf pine forest on Eglin is stable and strong for future generations," he said. 

One animal that is thriving in part due the prescribed burning is the endangered red cockaded woodpecker. Eglin's population has swelled to 347 potential breeding groups - just three shy of what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers "recovered."
"A recovered designation would offer the military mission a lot more flexibility," said Kathy Gault, an Eglin wildlife biologist. 

On average, Jackson Guard burns plots of forest in increments of 100 to 1,500 acres in one day. Factors such as operational access, weather, and scheduled activities in the area dictate how much of the forest can be burned at any one time. 

In addition to the prescribed burns, the fire management section also responds to wildfires to ensure the safety of local citizens, prevent disruptions of base activities and protect improvements on the base and surrounding areas.