Burning season is in, and all four of North Carolina’s national forests are set to undergo or have undergone large burns over the months of February and March. Nantahala and Pisgah have undergone 3 burns in the past month that cover about 3,500 acres, Uwharrie had a burn yesterday that covered 943 acres, and Croatan has undergone several burns over the past month that total at least 6,500 acres.

It’s important to remember that national forests are multiple-use areas, and prescribed burning affects several of these uses.  By limiting the frequency and scope of wildfire, prescribed burns increase both the volume of timber harvest and area available for recreational usage.  They clear out underbrush to create pine savannah, which makes it easier to log and use for recreation, while also generally create better conditions for wildlife as well.

However, there are things that management officials must keep in mind.  The public must be alerted so that wildfires are not reported.  Recreational usage can’t occur while the forest is being burned, and is generally reduced right after burns (who wants to see a pile of ashes under trees?).  Finally, prescribed burns too close to residences, roads, and neighboring private land has the potential to harm people and property, so extra care must be taken in these places.