WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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BLOOMINGTON – In between rain, snow, and the increasingly less rare 65-degree weather days, it’s hard to imagine a place Bloomington locals and visitors alike have come to know and love on fire.
We were always taught to prevent fires, but what happens when your city prescribes one? The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will conduct an almost 8-acre prescribed burn at the north shore of Griffy Lake between now and June 1st of this year.
The low-intensity groundfire will allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor. This allows for better conditions for the regeneration of oak and hickory trees, as beech and maple trees are currently dominating the forested area.
Increasing oak and hickory trees also increases the variety of habitats for animals, such as: insects, birds and reptiles.
Steve Cotter, Natural Resources Manager for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, shares his insight on why a prescribed burn is the best route to take.
The controlled burn will remove invasive plant species, recycle nutrients and help prevent wildland fires. In addtition, it intends to decrease competition and interference with air flow for the existing oak and hickory trees, Cotter said.
Environmental commissioner Don Eggert gives his take on the effects of these invasive species to the environment.
The Department contracted with Habitat Solutions Wildlife and Forest Management to ensure the fire does not escape, Cotter said.
There does remain some concern with Bloomington locals over the possible risks the burn may have.
The specific date in March the burn will take place depends on the availability of personnel, equipment, weather, and moisture levels needed to ensure a safe and successful completion.
Bloomington Fire Department will partner with the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department to ensure local firefighters have fire suppression training.
When the burn occurs, the north shore trail will close but the rest of Griffy Lake Nature Preserve will remain open.
Stay tuned for part two to learn about the aftermath of the controlled burn in the coming weeks.
