Date 11/02/2008

Discover the fascinating facts behind the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s prescription-burn program at “Introduction to Prescription Fire” on Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 2 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton.

Participants, who may see crews conduct a prescription burn if conditions allow, can make reservations through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.

Unlike a wildfire, a prescription burn is a deliberately set, controlled, natural-resource-management tool that specially trained Forest Preserve District crews have used for over 25 years to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands.

In the coming weeks, the public may see signs of the District’s prescription-burn program at several preserves. Because safety depends strongly on the weather and other factors, the District cannot schedule prescription burns in advance. However, on the morning of a prescription burn, the District posts signs and notifies fire-protection agencies. Crews remain on-site throughout the process, which takes place only during daylight hours. If these factors are not present, the public should call 911.

According to Leslie Berns, the supervisor of the Forest Preserve District’s Office of Natural Resources, “We conduct prescription burns partly to remove invasive, exotic plants so fire-tolerant native species can grab a greater share of available resources. But fire also breaks down organic plant materials, which speeds the return of valuable nutrients to the soil. It also prevents a build up of plant debris, which can stunt new growth and keep rains from filtering through the soil.”

In DuPage County’s woodlands, prescription burns remove invasive vegetation so more sunlight can reach native wildflowers and other plants on the forest floor. The county’s forests primarily contain deciduous species, such as oaks, with thick bark that is well-adapted to periodic fire and able to keep flames near the ground. These conditions greatly contrast those in the dense coniferous forests of the West, where highly flammable pine needles enable fires to spread quickly and uncontrollably from treetop to treetop, as often reported in the news.

Established in 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages over 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year, over 3 million visitors enjoy the District’s 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers, and scores of scheduled programs and events. To learn more, call Forest Preserve District headquarters at 630-933-7200, or visit
www.dupageforest.com