What is a Prescribed Burn? Understanding Fire’s Role in Conservation

For over 60 years, Camp Ondessonk has been committed to preserving and enhancing the natural landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest. One of the most effective land management tools in conservation efforts is prescribed burning. A prescribed burn—a controlled burn—is a carefully planned and managed fire designed to maintain healthy ecosystems, reduce wildfire risks, and promote biodiversity.
Why Are Prescribed Burns Important?
Prescribed burning is a scientifically backed practice that benefits both hardwood and pine-dominated forests. Organizations such as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association (Cross-Boundary Program), and The Nature Conservancy support and implement prescribed burns to achieve various ecological goals. These include:
- Fuel Load Reduction: By reducing the accumulation of dead vegetation, prescribed burns lower the risk of large-scale, high-intensity wildfires. While historically associated with western states, wildfire risks have increased in eastern regions, making prescribed burns more critical than ever.
- Habitat Restoration: Many native species, such as oaks and hickories, depend on periodic fires to thrive. Prescribed burns remove shade-tolerant species like maple and beech, which outcompete slower-growing oaks for sunlight.
- Nutrient Recycling: Fire releases nutrients into the soil, enriching it for future plant growth.
- Invasive Species Control: Prescribed burns help manage invasive plants such as Japanese honeysuckle and can reduce poison ivy populations.
- Forest Structure Improvement: By opening the canopy and increasing sunlight penetration, fire fosters a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.
How Prescribed Burns Work
Prescribed burns are managed under strict standards to ensure safety and impact.
- Planning & Collaboration: Before a burn, experts from various organizations, including the USDA Forest Service and the Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development District, create detailed burn plans outlining objectives, weather conditions, and safety protocols.
- Execution: The fire is carefully ignited and observed by trained fire crews, including the IL Women in Fire program and the Shawnee National Forest Fire Crew.
- Post-Burn Monitoring: Ecological responses are closely observed after the fire to determine if future adjustments are needed.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Despite their confirmed benefits, prescribed burns are sometimes misunderstood. Here are some common myths:
- Myth: Eastern forests don’t need fuel load reduction.
- Fact: Due to increased fire suppression, fuel loads have built up, making eastern forests more susceptible to wildfires than in the past.
- Myth: Fire destroys soil and causes erosion.
- Fact: While prescribed burns temporarily remove ground cover, research shows that soil erosion post-burn is significantly lower than in agricultural fields.
Regional Success Stories
One successful example of prescribed burning is Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Land managers restored historical forest conditions using controlled burns, leading to healthier ecosystems and the return of naturally occurring lightning-strike fires. Naturally ignited fires are essential to the ecosystem and can be safely managed.
The Future of Prescribed Burns
As climate conditions shift and wildfire risks increase, prescribed burns remain essential in land management. By working with strategic partners like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy, Camp Ondessonk continues to uphold its commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
By embracing fire’s role in forest ecology, we protect our landscapes and ensure that future generations can experience the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest.
Join Us in Conservation! Visit Camp Ondessonk’s website today to learn more about our upcoming prescribed burns or how you can support conservation efforts.