Blaze Doesn't Cool Belief in Controlled Burns
From the Atlantic City Press Published: Thursday, October 30, 2008
By BEN LEACH Staff Writer, 609-272-7261
Even though the wildfire that tore through Wharton State Forest last week burned almost 2,000 acres, many people in the pinelands still believe in using fire as a management tool. The evidence that the forest is capable of handling a fire is certainly compelling. Pine cones won't open until they reach a certain temperature, and pygmy pines won't grow above 10 feet tall. These adaptations are a direct result of the regularity of fires in the pinelands.
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Controlled fires are "prescribed for anywhere from 100 to 1,500 acres at a time," according to Frank Pallante, assistant division fire warden for the state Forest Fire Service. These smaller, controlled fires are used to prevent uncontrolled and unmanageable blazes.
"It made it easier for us to control last week's fire," Pallante said of controlled burns.
However, some skeptics think there are better ways to manage the pinelands that don't involve as much fire.
"All we ever hear is how this is such a wonderful thing for the forest," said Bob Williams, an independent forester who serves as vice president of operations for Land Dimensions Engineering in Glassboro. Williams is a firm believer that selective cutting is acceptable when it comes to forest management. He doesn't deny that fires are beneficial to the forests, but says a combination of controlled and unexpected fires could be putting several species of plants and animals at unneccessary risks.
He pointed out what he views as a contradiction in land-management programs. People won't be allowed to build on property if a species such as the pine snake has made its home there, but nothing can be done to protect its habitat if a fire comes through.
Pallante said a review board studies each area before a controlled burn is approved. Endangered or threatened species usually force forest managers to move to a different section of the forest for burning.
Others believe that any management, whether it's a fire or chopping down trees in a controlled manner, is good for certain species. Steve DelRossi regularly hunts for wood*censored*s throughout southern New Jersey, and where there's a fire, there are more birds to find, he said.
DelRossi said older forests may be pretty, but as the forest starts to naturally rejuvenate, birds and other wildlife flock toward new growth.
"If it benefits game birds, it benefits all birds," DelRossi said. "Nothing lives in a mature forest."
DelRossi said that of all bird species, migrating songbirds are the ones most likely to be negatively affected by fires, since a lack of forest wouldn't provide for the cover they need.
Although not everyone in New Jersey can agree on one plan to manage New Jersey's largest block of public forest, those who have a stake in the forest agree that management is needed.
People such as Williams remain vocal when it comes to getting their ideas across.
"Everyone is somewhat correct," Williams said. "But none of it's valid if it's taken altogether."
E-mail Ben Leach: BLeach@pressofac.com
