Importance of prescribed burns to local woodlands

Smoke in the air can be alarming, but sometimes it’s actually a sign of something good. Gulf Island National Seashore plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Davis Bayou Area later this month.

If you spot smoke rising above the trees this month, it may be part of a carefully planned burn.

Unlike wildfires, prescribed burns are closely monitored and conducted by trained fire crews.

How does this actually help the forest? Many native plants depend on fire to thrive. Low intensity burns clear out dead leaves, brush, and invasive species, allowing sunlight and nutrients to reach the forest floor.

Prescribed burns also return nutrients to the soil and create open spaces that benefit animals like deer, birds, and pollinators.

If conditions don’t meet strict guidelines, the burn won’t happen.