Wildfire & RX Fire

Fire is a natural disturbance in many ecosystems. It plays an important role in returning nutrients to the soil, as well as preventing thick understory plant growth. Land changes over the last few centuries have altered natural fire regimes, oftentimes eliminating fire completely from landscapes. This has caused major habitat and ecosystem changes, including the encroachment of forests into historic prairie areas, and the increased success of invasive species. Returning fire to ecosystems is an important part of ecological restoration. By conducting prescribed burns, we can control when and where fire occurs--making it much safer than wildfire, and helping us direct it into the habitats most in need of restoration.