Controlled Burns
If you've been reading the blog, you'll have learned that much of the landscape in Florida depends on fire to maintain the ecosystem. So, resource managers often use controlled burns to clear the thick undergrowth and to allow the fire dependent native species to thrive. We were lucky enough to witness this while driving up I-95
Here you can see a burn off in the distance.
This picture shows a recently burned area. You can see the charred vegetation. Notice that most of the undergrowth is burned away. Fire resistant species, like the pines to the right of the picture will thrive here, while oaks and other hardwoods are likely killed by the fire.
It is so much easier to burn in the South than up here in the Northeast. Some of these properties get burned every 2-4 years to manage the understory vegetation and provide forage for wildlife. Glad the trip is going well. JMcD
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info!
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