Introduction

A prescribed fire affects plants differently depending on a variety of factors including the time of year and stage of growth at the time of the fire. Plants are most susceptible to the effects of fire when they are actively growing. Cool season plants are more susceptible in late winter into spring and warm season plants are most susceptible during the late summer into early fall before dormancy. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the prescribed fire parameters and objectives for grasslands and woodlands.

Prescribed burns should be conducted in grasslands about every three years to:

• Remove dead grass and litter and create bare ground between plants for wildlife
• Stimulate germination of legumes, forbs and other wildlife beneficial plants
• Reduce the vigor of a grass stand that is too thick for wildlife (e.g., fescue)
• Kill or set back encroaching woody vegetation