Description

From the text ... 'In the South, it is not a question of whether or not to use fire, but instead a question of the frequency, intensity and season of application needed to accomplish specific objectives. Excluding fire from longleaf forests increases the potential intensity and severity of the next fire as woody shrubs and hardwoods invade the midstory -- creating 'ladders' for fire to climb from the forest floor to tree canopy. Also, the accumulation of pine needles on the forest floor begins to shade out fire-dependent plants and animals while preventing natural regeneration of longleaf pines. Of more concern to fire managers and the public as the fire-free period lengthens, however, is that it becomes more difficult to safely apply fire, wildfires become more difficult to suppress, and the threat of catastrophic fire increases.'