As early as 1890, thoughtful persons had observed and pointed out that controlled fire might have a place and was possibly necessary in the silviculture of longleaf pine. Dr. Roland Harper, a botonist, proposed its use for understory hardwood control from 1911 to urge the use of fire preparation of longleaf seedbeds and fuel reduction. By 1933, there was sufficient evidence as to the need for prescribed burning in longleaf pine for seedbed preparation and control of brownspot disease. Experimental burns also began to be used for wildlife habitat improvement and fuel hazard reduction. In 1943, the Forest Service approved a policy of prescribed burning in longleaf and slash pines. Many of the techniques and procedures for use in prescribed fire began to be developed. About 1950, state foresters began to prepare and issue information to landowners on the uses of prescribed fire and techniques and precautions to be observed in applying fire. They also started providing on-the-ground professional advice. Today, over 2.8 million acres of forest land in the South are subjected to some form of prescribed burning annually. Costs may range from as little as ten cents an acre to several dollars or more. Although hazard reduction accounts for a major portion of the use of prescribed fire, about 28% of prescribed burning done is for site preparation for seeding or planting. Other uses for prescribed fire include: 1) wildlife habitat improvement, 2) manage understory hardwoods, 3) control disease, 4) improve forage for grazing, 5) inhance appearance, 6) improve accessibility.