It has occurred naturally across native landscapes for thousands of years as the result of lightning strikes.
The Pre-settlement landscape of the mid-west was co- dependent on the element of fire as a means to control foreign plant species from taking hold and to further stimulate germination and the growth of native species. The earliest Native American people also learned the importance of fire in nature and also learned how to manage the land using fire as a tool.
As European development and expansion began to push into the Midwest this began to change the landscape and alter the ecosystems that had existed naturally for many years. It was soon realized that this region had rich and abundant resources that were needed for a fast growing population. Much of the old growth timber areas were harvested for furniture, cabinets, and homes. Much of these types of trees had been successful because they were fire tolerant. Rich, black soil which was once covered by native prairie and grasslands was soon turned into agricultural fields to provide food.
Today’s natural landscape in Winnebago County is very fragmented and has many interruptions such as roads, highways, agricultural zones, towns, cities and urban development areas. This activity has fragmented the land and interrupted the natural cycles that had been occurring, especially fire. Route 173Woodward - Rock Cut Campus
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County currently hold 10,000+ acres of public land located at 42 separate locations throughout the County. While some of these properties are connected, most are not and represent the fragmented example of what development has displaced over the years. Because of the fragmentation and isolation of these properties it is no longer possible to rely on nature or for man to allow huge wildfires to sweep across the County to keep the natural communities in balance. For this reason it is necessary for the District staff to re- introduce fire into the smaller native landscapes that exist within the District properties.
Burning helps to release and disperse dormant seed pods of native plant species. The by-product of burning provides valuable nutrients for the native plants to uptake. Burning inhibits growth and helps destroy non-native plant species. European Buckthorn Reed canarygrass Morrow’s Honeysuckle Garlic Mustard
After each season District staff assess properties and examine what was burned in the previous year. Properties are selected based on several factors including available fuel, amount and type of invasive and undesirable plant material, and the burn cycle of the property. Not all properties are burned every season. Often they are put on a rotation, or only certain zones of a given property are targeted. All planned prescribed burn locations are mapped and shown as part of the Annual Land Restoration Manual. A burn permit is acquired annually from the Illinois E.P.A.
Notification letters & s to the public are distributed and web site notices are posted in advance of upcoming burns. Phone calls are placed daily to the local public safety com- center alerting fire and law enforcement officials of planned prescribe burn sites. Signs are posted on location on the day of prescribed burns alerting passing motorists and preserve users.
Equipment is assembled, checked, and tested. Fire breaks are mowed around perimeters of planned prescribed burn areas.
All full-time staff who participate in prescribed burning have undergone S-130: Firefighter Training & S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. Additionally the District has 3 burn managers who have been certified by Illinois Department of Natural Resources and have logged many hours of prescribed burn management.
Crews work long hours, are required to wear lots of protective gear, endure extreme temperature ranges, and are constantly on the move!
Prescribed Jensen Forest Preserve, 3/17/2015
Week One, shortly after a prescribed burn at Headquarters
Week 4 after a prescribed burn. New growth & re-emergence.
Week 8 following prescribed burn- vibrant & thriving!