Reviving the Ancient Art of “Good” Fire

Conservationists are reintroducing the ancient land management method of controlled burns, which can effectively reduce the severity of wildfires and preserve a precious stopover site for migrating sandhill cranes in Nebraska and the United States.

“Grasslands are one of the most endangered ecosystems globally, with research showing a 60% decrease in grassland biodiversity since the 1970s,” explains Amanda Hefner, education manager at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary. “So the best way we can make sure that the grasslands stay grasslands, is by making sure that we’re using tools to keep it in that habitat — tools like prescribed fires.”

Grasslands are under threat due to factors such as agriculture and invasive plant species. Through controlled burns – also known as prescribed burns or cultural fires – it is possible to clear dry undergrowth that can build up and fuel massive wildfires. Indeed, prescribed burning can reduce the severity of wildfires between 62% and 72%. Indigenous communities have long used cultural fires to remove old grass and support new growth because they allow for nutrient cycling: low-intensity burns can clear fuel, leaving nitrogen and minerals found in ash and partially burned, decomposing biological material. Consequently, it increases nutrients in the soil soon after the burn, making room for new, more nutritional growth.