Fire Studies
Management of South Carolina ’s
forestland, accounting for 64% of the land use, is essential to
reduce the threat of wildfire and sustain timber, wildlife, water
quality, air quality, soil protection, and recreational resources
in the state. In South Carolina alone, 102 fires burned over 4,000
acres in 2002. Prescribed fire is a widely recognized tool for
hazardous fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration. Efforts to
reduce the risk to human health and safety with fire management
are increasingly important as urbanization and expansion into the
wildland-urban interface (WUI) increases at alarming rates along
our nation’s coasts.
In 2001, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests partnered
with the Center for Forested Wetlands and the College of Charleston
to address the role of their prescribed fire program on ecosystem
productivity and sustainability. Research focuses on the effects
of forest management on forest fuels, vegetation, and soil productivity
and stability in both Coastal and Piedmont forested ecosystems.
A variety of burn frequencies, intensities, and seasons; along
with mechanical treatments are examined in this program.
Preservation, synthesis, and demonstration of fire ecology research
will foster a greater understanding of larger-scale forest ecosystem
processes throughout South Carolina . Additionally, this research
and demonstration will provide technical and operational guidance
for land management decisions within the National Forest Service
and for local land owners. Technology transfer is also integral
to this work as new landowners need awareness of the benefits of
prescribed fire.
For a brochure on the history and legacy of prescribed fire in
South Carolina, click here:
Check out the links below for fact sheets on our on-going projects:
Enoree
Ranger District
Study examines dormant season burning and/or mechanical thinning
on vegetation, soils, and fuels for an eroded Piedmont forest district
Long
Cane Ranger District
Assessment of growing season fire and/or thinning on various
fuel loadings in a Piedmont forest managed for quail, turkey, and
recreation.
Santee Fire
Plots
Regeneration study investigating long-term legacy of various
frequency and seasonality burns on productivity and vegetative
community structure and composition. This study began in 1948.
For questions or further information, please contact:
Lindsay White, Ecologist
USDA Forest Service
Center for Forested Wetlands Research
2730 Savannah Highway
Charleston , SC 29414
Phone:
843-769-7008
lhwhite@fs.fed.us
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