Why We Burn

The Illinois Prescribed Fire Council recently released a comprehensive report on the controlled burning state of that state. In its Illinois Fire Needs Assessment, the group details the reasons for prescribed burning, the number or acres currently being managed with fire, as well as the acreage that would benefit.

According to the report, only 1/8th of the needed acres are currently actively being managed with prescribed fire. Because of this, much of the habit acreage in Illinois is ecologically degrading. Approximately 20% of the current habitat acreage is so degraded that it will not currently support prescribed fire.

Rather than giving up the report makes specific recommendations that are relevant for private landowners and public land managers across the midwest. Among these are increasing public support for private landowners, in the form of training and mentorship so that they have the knowledge and skills needed to manage their property.

For more information on prescribed burning check out the Illinois Nature Conservancy prescribed fire FAQ page.