Fire management and research for biodiversity in the Green Swamp

Abstract

The Nature Conservancy has conducted prescribed burns for two decades in North Carolina's Green Swamp to enhance and maintain species biodiversity in the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas and ecotones. The surrounding pocosins, however, have been left alone. Increasingly, dense shrub growth in the pocosin suppresses herbaceous species and increases the risk of serious wildfires. Two experimental burns have shown that it is possible to safely conduct prescribed burns in pocosins. Continuing studies will monitor the vegetation response to fire and map the vegetation and fuels to predict fire behavior, leading to a better fire management plan for the Green Swamp based on its historic fire regime.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions

Citation

Bucher, Margit A.; High, Maura E. 2002. Fire management and research for biodiversity in the Green Swamp. In: Ford, W. Mark; Russell, Kevin R.; Moorman, Christopher E., eds. Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-288. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 111-115.