Northern Research Station

March Feature - Fire Science

Through all of time, fire has shaped the landscape and, beginning with First Peoples, people have used fire to shape the landscape. In recent history, land managers have rediscovered that fire is a valuable tool in restoring once common species to forests. USDA Forest Service scientists are delivering information that helps land managers use fire safely and effectively through research into the effects of prescribed fire on factors such as tree canopy, soils and wildlife as well as fire behavior under varying weather conditions. This month we feature a scientist, research, a product and partnership demonstrating that when researchers and managers work hand-in-hand, great benefits can be derived for the health and sustainability of the Nation’s forests and grasslands.