Plans, preparations and personal protective equipment-clad people produced a fine, safe premiere for prescribed burning at Assateague Island National Seashore. Fire specialists safely treated a total of 220-acres in several units in March 2009.
The prescribed burns will help to control the distribution and abundance of the exotic and highly invasive common reed or phragmites (Phragmites australis). Phragmites crowd out native plant species and reduce habitat values for marsh-dependent fish and wildlife. The fire treatments removed the above-ground remnants of phragmites infestations that were sprayed with herbicide. All this will facilitate the restoration of native coastal vegetation, providing nutrients and allowing light to reach the soil surface and providing greater opportunities for native seeds to grow.
Contact: Barb Stewart, Northeast and National Capital Regions, Fire Communication and Education Specialist
Phone: (434) 220-9065
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
