The May Driptorch Digest is Now Available

Natural fires in the southeast usually occur in the spring and summer when thunderstorms are most prevalent. For many of the ecosystems in the region, it is important to apply prescribed fire with this same seasonal timing. These "growing season" burns can be more effective at controlling competing woody plants, promoting the growth of native grasses, creating wildlife habitat, and preparing the forest floor for seeds.

In longleaf pine ecosystems, growing season burns require a thoughtful approach. At this time of year, longleaf pines develop white growth buds at the tips of their branches and stems, often known as "candles." The risk of damage to these candles makes the longleaf more vulnerable to fire during the growing season. This is particularly true for young trees whose candles are still within reach of surface fire flames.

Check out this great video from The Longleaf Alliance on burning young longleaf. Here are a few tips from the video to consider:

Avoid burning before seedlings have entered the grass stage
Burn in conditions of light fuels, cool temps (<80°), light winds (<5 mph), and high RH (>25%)
Wait until candles are hardened and covered in new green needles

Student wildland fire crews at several universities in the south represent a unique model for providing experience and training to students, as well as increasing regional fire management capacity.

A recent video story by FOX54 News Huntsville highlights Alabama A&M's FireDawgs program which also provides a pipeline for increasing diversity in forestry.
This article highlights a program at the University of West Georgia in which students support prescribed burning as part of their fire ecology class. One of the long-term goals of that program is to develop a unique model of a Prescribed Burn Association that would integrate college students and regional landowners.

The Forest Landowners Foundation and Auburn University are asking for anyone owning forestland in southern states to participate in the 2022 Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices Survey. The survey has been conducted for almost 70 years to understand the costs and trends of forest management, including prescribed fire, and is important in influencing policy decisions that affect private forest landowners. The survey takes about 45 minutes to complete. For any questions, contact Adam Maggard, Alabama Cooperative Extension Specialist, adam0074@auburn.edu.

NC State Extension, National Extension Wildland Fire Initiative, Southern Fire Exchange, and the Sandhills PBA are hosting an in-person workshop for Cooperative Extension and other outreach professionals in the natural resources. The workshop will include interactive activities and sessions in the field that expose participants to many different tools and strategies used in fire science communication and education. The workshop will take place June 7-9, in and around Raleigh, NC. Registration deadline is May 26; the primary hotel room block is being held until May 6.