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The Natchez Trace Parkway, in conjunction with the Tombigbee National Forest, participated in a 3,500 acre burn during March 2006. This collaboration marked one of the largest joint fires ever undertaken by the Parkway and the Tombigbee National Forest.
Natchez Trace Parkway suppression, fuels, and fire effects personnel, Tombigbee NF fire personnel, as well Forest Service Intermountain Region smokejumpers from Missoula, Montana working on temporary detail work assignments were all present to make this prescribed fire a success. The operation included aerial and ground ignition.
The area that was treated with prescribed fire consisted of mixed pine/hardwoods dominated by loblolly pine, as well as various oak and hickory species. The management objectives of the burn included reducing fuel loading and pole-size tree density. In addition, the area was burned to create the early stages of succession that are desirable by quail.
Interagency cooperation is beneficial both economically and ecologically. Allowing fires to occur on a large scale similar to what may have occurred before significant impact by humans is inherently desirable. Ecosystems know no governmental boundaries!
Contact: Lisa McInnis, Fire Ecologist
Phone: (662) 840-7572 |
