Volunteer crew managing a prescribed burn at Tamarack West.
It was a brisk, November day with favorable winds when trained volunteers gathered to conduct a controlled burn, or prescribed burn, on the Tamarack West property which is owned by Openlands. This land was acquired with the intention of holding it until U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service can purchase the land for Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
Creating a burn break
Starting the fire
Fire managers began the day by creating burn breaks. Smaller fires were set in perimeter areas in bands that serve to protect the surrounding lands, owned by private owners and by McHenry County Conservation District (Glacial Park). When the large fire is set in the center of Tamarack West, it will be stopped from spreading into these private areas. Mowing wide paths also serve as burn breaks. These were monitored throughout the fire and water hoses utilized to control the edges of the burn.
Before European settlement, ecosystems here were exposed to periodic fire, ignited by Indigenous people or by lightning strikes. Today, prairies are burned in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem, and burns are vital to maintaining health & functionality. The real scope of prairie plants is under the ground, where roots can extend up to 15 feet down. These roots hold plants and soil in place, and allow the plants to prosper in the event of a fire. This also allows them to outcompete non-native weeds.
Prescribed burn at Tamarack West; video by Kevin Ivers.
Prescribed burns remove old vegetation, promote new growth, control invasive species like buckthorn, multiflora rose & honeysuckle, and return nutrients to the soil. Burns support the regeneration of oak and hickory as well.
ILM Environments, Inc. has participated in the restoration of this area, removing drain tiles and helping to restore the landscape. They feature a webpage on prescribed burning that provides more information about preparation and step by step details. Read more at https://ilmenvironments.com/subservices/prescribed-burning/
