The Role of Prescribed Burning in Habitat Management

By Jennifer Hunt (Content Writer) and Shane Fuller (Certified Wildlife Biologist)

One of the most cost-effective and impactful tools available for habitat and wildlife management is prescribed burning, often referred to as controlled burning. When carefully planned and executed by trained professionals, prescribed fire works with natural ecological processes to improve habitat conditions, promote native vegetation, and support a diverse range of wildlife species. While it’s sometimes misunderstood or overlooked, prescribed burning has long been a cornerstone of responsible land management. Below are several ways this practice can benefit your land and the wildlife that depend on it.

• Combating invasive species and reducing pests: Many invasive species cannot tolerate fire, thus reducing competition for native species that provide essential nutrients for wildlife. Another added benefit of prescribed burning is the reduction of ticks.
• Unburned areas provide nesting habitat/cover: “Unburnt patches” or burning blocks are areas that do not undergo prescribed burning. They provide nesting and cover for wildlife, and the patchy mosaic patterns mimic natural low-intensity fires. They also allow the soil composition to remain the same in those areas, which is important for nutrient cycling.
• Stimulates vegetative growth: Grasses, legumes, and soft-mast like blackberries, raspberries, and pokeweed are encouraged to grow in the absence of other competing vegetation. This is an important tool in habitat restoration because certain ecosystems, like prairies and longleaf pine forests, are fire-dependent.
• Reduces wildfire risk: Areas prone to wildfires must be monitored carefully, as wildfires are devastating for wildlife habitats and populations. When dead vegetation like leaf litter, grasses, and brush builds up, they create a powerful ignition source that is hazardous to wildlife and forests alike.

Because prescribed burning directly affects vegetation, wildlife, and overall site conditions, it should always be conducted by trained professionals who understand fire behavior, safety considerations, and land management objectives. Timing also plays a critical role—burning during the growing season versus the dormant season can produce very different outcomes depending on your goals. Your AFM land manager, Certified Wildlife Biologist, or forester can help determine if prescribed burning is the right tool for your property and develop a plan that supports long-term habitat health, wildlife diversity, and overall land stewardship.